THE 



YOUNG MOTHER 



AND 



NURSE'S ORACLE, 



FOR THE 



BENEFIT OF THE UNINITIATED. 



BY ANN H. AXLEN, 




CINCINNATI: 
PUBLISHED BY E. MENDENHALL, 

WALNUT STREET. 

1858. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1858, by 

ANN H. ALLEN AND E. MENDENHALL, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Conrt, for the Southern District 
of Ohio. 






CONTENTS 







PAGE. 


Preface, 


- 


- 5 


Curiosities of the Human 


Body, - 


9 


Introduction, 


- 


- 15 


To Young Mothers, 


- 


21 


Pregnancy, 


m m 


- 22 


Evidences of Pregnancy, 


- 


J*£ 


Duration of Pregnancy, 


- 


- 28 


Diseases incident to Pregnancy, 


30 


The Preparation, 


- 


- 34 


Obstetrics, - 


- 


36 


Duties of Nurses, 


■ • 


- 57 


Care of Patients, 


- 


61 


Care of the Infant, 


• 


- 69 


The Breasts, 


- 


76 


The Lochia, 


- 


- 77 


The Patient's Food, 


• 


82 


Education of Children, 


- 


- 90 


Duty of the Accoucheur or Midwife, 


106 


Treatment after Delivery, 


- 


- 116 


Diseases of Children, 


- 


124 


Recipes, 


- 


- 136 


Pernicious Effects of Mercury in Various 


Dis- 


eases, 


iii 


- 155 



4 CONTENTS. 

PAGE, 

On the Pernicious Effects of Blood-letting, 173 

The Knife, or the Abuses in Surgery, - - 187 

Medicines, ----- 201 

Vegetable Materia Medica, - - - 205 

Terms of Classification of Medicines, • 212 

Remarks, ... 215 

Botanical Synopsis of Plants occasionally used 

and recommended for further investigation, - 224 
Air, ----- 257 

Exercise, ..... 263 

Sleep, ..... 072 

Clothing, ..... 277 

Tobacco, - 284 

Glossary of Terms used in this Work, - - 291 



PREFACE, 



In commencing this small volume, my design was to 
confine my remarks principally to mothers and their 
children, and nurses. Believing by recommending a 
careful attention to health (Hygeia,) or nature and her 
perfect lawgiver, who formed all things, and pro- 
nounced them good. I am confirmed in the belief 
that a remedy for any of our diseases, incident to 
climate, is to be found in the Vegetable Kingdom 
of that climate. 

And pursuing the subject, and consulting authors, 
of the different schools, I am surprised that even the 
use of calomel, the lancet and the knife, could have 
maintained such a general ascendency over the minds 
of the people as they have. 

For this course is so directly opposite to our nature, 
and the best physicians have always been those, who 
only assisted nature, to relieve her from disease and 
to cure, not those who would lay waste the powers of 
the human body. 

I have therefore given a synopsis of the medical 

V 



6 PREFACE. 

qualities of many plants and their uses, in the dis- 
eases to which we are all liable. I have compiled 
some valuable information, from Dr. Webster Beach's 
American Practice. It is an excellent work, his pre- 
scriptions and method of treating disease is unsur- 
passed; and all persons who are interested in their own 
health should have a copy, and consult it when ill. 

It treats first of the description, symptoms, cause, 
treatment and regimen. This work consulted and 
followed, with good nursing, will enable us to admin- 
ister to our several wants, in the use of food and med- 
icine. Temperance in all things ; and sufficient ex- 
ercise and good air, and we shall require but little 
medicine. I have been long of the opinion that all 
persons who have lived to the age of forty years, 
should be their own physician. 

11 As matters stand at present," says a writer, " it is 
easier to cheat a man out of his life, than of a shil- 
ling, and almost impossible to detect or punish the 
offender." Notwithstanding this, people still shut 
their eyes, and take every thing upon trust, that is 
administered by any pretender to medicine ; without 
daring to ask him a reason for any part of his con- 
duct. Implicit faith, every where else the object of 
ridicule, is still sacred here. It would certainly be 



PREFACE. 7 

for our safety, to have some check upon the conduct 
of those, to whom we intrust so valuable a treasure 
as health." 

The veil of mystery which still hangs over medi- 
cine, renders it not only a conjectural, but even a 
suspicious art. This was long ago removed from the 
other sciences, which, induces many to believe that 
medicine is a mere trick, that it will not bear a fair 
and candid examination. Medicine, however, needs 
only to be better known, in order to secure the gen- 
eral esteem of mankind. Its precepts are such as 
every wise man would choose to observe, and forbids 
nothing which is incompatible with true happiness. 

Any man can tell when a medicine gives him ease, 
as well as a physician ; and if he only knows the 
name and dose of the medicine, and the nature of the 
disease, it is sufficient to perpetuate the fact. And 
the man who adds one single fact to the stock of med- 
ical observation, does more real service to the art, 
than he who writes a volume in support of some favo- 
rite hypothesis. 

No argument can be brought against laying open 
medicine, that does not apply with equal, if not with 
greater force, to religion ; yet experience has shown 
that since the laity have asserted their right of in- 



8 PREFACE. 

quiry into these subjects, theology has been improved, 
and the interests of real religion have been promoted. 
It is irrational to trust our life, our happiness, or the 
salvation of our immortal souls, into the hands of any 
one; as we are accountable beings to God, in whom 
we live, move, and have our being. 

The Author. 



CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 



It is established by chemistry that there are seven- 
teen elementary substances in the composition of 
the human body. More than nine-tenths of the 
whole bulk of the system is comprised of four gases, 
invisible, when in a free uncombined state, 
viz.: oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen. 
Besides these substances, there is in every fall 
man, enough phosphorus and sulphur to tip a 
gross of friction matches ; enough potash, soda 
and lime, to form a lye sufficiently strong to bear 
up half a dozen eggs at once ; enough flint to 
load the lock of an old fashioned "Queen's 
arms ;" and enough copper to give a flea a hea- 
vier burden in proportion to its size, than was 
ever borne on the back of a camel. 

The entire body, or that part of it that possesses 
vitality, is but a collection of cells, each one of 



IX 



10 CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 

which is a mere round, pearl-colored bag, filled 
with fluid, and far too small to be seen by the 
naked eye, so small, in fact, that 12,000 of the 
smallest of them, could be strung on a single 
inch in length, of the thread of a spider's web. 

All the bones before birth are soft, like jelly, 
only 6 of the 246, which we find in the adult, 
being fully formed or ossified at birth ; these are 
the bones of hearing, three in each ear. 

Every bone in the body is in the immediate 
connexion with some other bone, except the hyoid 
bone, which is situated at the upper part of the 
wind pipe, just under the lower jaw ; its length 
is about two inches; but twenty-two muscles, 
six ligaments and one membrane, are attached to 
it. More than one-half of the substance of the 
bones is composed of the phosphate of lime, the 
substance about which so much has been said, as 
a remedy for consumption. 

Some physicians appear to have just discover- 
ed that phosphorus composes a part of the hu- 
man system, although the more scientific mem- 



CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 11 

bers of the profession have long used it with 
great advantage, especially in chemical union 
with iron. The muscles of the human body are 
somewhat over five hundred in number. Some 
of them, as on the back of an adult, are twenty- 
seven inches in length ; and some, as in the ear, 
not over the fourth of an inch long. Muscles 
are termed lean meat. Muscle is divided into 
fibres, which can be seen by the naked eye ; and 
place it in the field of a powerful microscope, we 
shall find that it is, in itself, a bundle of fibres, 
each of which is not more than a ten thousandth 
part of an inch in diameter, and some of them 
are even less than half that size. A noose form- 
ed by twisting fifty of these fibres together, 
would be too small to be seen by the naked eye. 
Could we but unravel the fibres of a single cubic 
inch of clean muscle, they would be found to 
stretch out over six thousand miles in length. 
Could all the muscular fibres of an adult be 
placed in a continuous fine, they would form a 
thread which would reach more than four hun- 



12 CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 

dred times round our globe, or 10,000,000 of 
miles. Chemically examined, dried blood and 
dried muscle are found to be precisely the same. 

The little glands that produce the sweat, 
are situated just beneath the cuticle, or skin. 
Each gland sends up through the skin a little 
tube, about a quarter of an inch long, through 
which the sweat is poured out. These glands 
number about 2,500 in a square inch of the 
palms of the hands and soles of the foot ; and 
about 2,800 in a square inch of the remainder 
of the surface of the human body. 

The total number of pores, therefore, in the 
human system, is about seven millions ; and the 
total length of all the tubes, through which the 
sw T eat is poured out, is nearly tw T enty-eight miles. 
The weight of the brain and spinal of the male, 
ranges between forty-six and fifty-three ounces ; 
that of the female is often found as low as forty- 
one ounces. In man one thirty-sixth of the 
whole is brain ; yet it receives one-sixth of the 
blood of the entire system. Surrounding and 



CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 13 

withm the convolution of every healthy vein, 
there is abou: two ounces of water. The process 
through which sound is communicated to the 
brain is very curious ; the ear is divided into 
three parts — external, middle and internal ear, 
or porch to the house in which sits the god of 
listening. Every sound, as we all very well 
know, spreads out upon the air, in an undulatory 
or w T avy manner, just as when we cast a stone 
into the stream, certain waves are produced, 
which spread out in constantly widening cir- 
cles. This wave in the air enters the ear, and 
raps as it were upon the little door, called the 
membrana tympani, which is situated at the bot- 
tom of the external ear. Within the middle 
chamber, and on the inner side of this door, 
stand those three little bones, which act the part 
of servants in the hall, to communicate the mes- 
sage to the brain. No sooner then, does a sound 
rap upon this door, than the mallet or hammer, 
the handle of which is fastened upon the inner 
side of the door, strikes a blow 7 upon the anvil. 



14 CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 

The anvil throws all of its burthen into the bone 
called the stirrup, to which it is fastened by a ring, 
to the oval window, which opens into the internal 
ear, to vibrate, and thus tells the story to the 
nerves which surround it, and through them it is 
communicated to the brain. 



INTRODUCTION 



Kings were the physicians of the ancients, and 
their teachers in medicine ; and of such import- 
ance, in olden times, was a knowledge of the 
human body regarded that it formed the last 
and holiest rite of the magic taught in the 'Egyp- 
tian temples. 

Esculapius, a physician of eminence, became 
the god of medicine for the Greeks. Hygeia 
one of his four daughters was elevated by the 
ancients to the rank of goddess of health. It 
was thought to be the duty of the physician to 
prevent disease as well as to cure it ; and a foil 
expression was given to this sentiment by place- 
ing the daughter with the father on the same 
monument. Several works of art now remain- 
ing, have both figures thus represented. 

Of late years the moderns, equally with the 

ancients, have felt the necessity of the proper 

xv 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

teaching and observance of the laws of health ; 
and they have become a distinct branch of med- 
ical science under the name of Hygiene. 

These laws show the indications of nature; 
and the danger of deviating from those indica- 
tions in every period of life ; beginning with in- 
fancy, and ending with the alloted span of human 
existence. Commencing with the young infant, 
they show that from the softness of every part, 
and its inability to bear the least fatigue, it 
should be allowed as much rest and be handled 
as little as possible. As the brain is a most 
delicate organ, it is proper the infant should be 
in an upright position a part of the time. It 
will begin of itself to move about and play as 
soon as its muscles are strong enough to exer- 
cise without injury. Only fluids, as milk, are 
required before the teeth protrude through the 
gums ; but as these appear the diet may grad- 
ually change to more solid food. Now is the 
time to pay more attention to the formation of 
regular habits or hours for sleep, meals, and 



INTRODUCTION. 17 

play. Washing every morning in cold water ; 
limited to the simplest articles of diet, and per- 
mitted free exercise in the open air and in loose 
clothes ; it grows strong and hardy, and in a few 
years is old enough to commence learning the 
alphabet with advantage. 

Hygeia still continues her supervision, points 
out the fact that the brain and nervous system, 
are yet very soft, and can endure at first, only 
a small degree of exertion, and that they are 
but strained by directing the child to objects of 
sense. She shows the morning to be the best 
time for severe exertion, leaving the lighter 
studies for the afternoon; that two or three 
hours attention in school are enough for young 
children; as they grow older, gradually extending 
the period to five or six hours. 

The school-room should be in a pleasant loca- 
tion, where the sun may shine into it at all hours 
of the day ; curtains and blinds of course pre- 
venting inconvenience to the pupils. It should be 
thoroughly ventilated and comfortably furnished 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

with seats, arranged that the feet may touch the 
floor, and with backs to rest against. Teachers 
alternating the exercises to prevent sitting or 
standing too long at a time, and allow intervals of 
play. 

Children can only he taught the right con- 
struction of words in sentences, by imitation; 
when the expression is erroneous, the parent or 
teacher should correct, and make them repeat 
the whole again. They receive at an early age 
an impression that lasts through life, and due 
attention to this matter in youth will not only 
prevent the necessity of much unlearning when 
they are about to appreciate the rules of gram- 
mar ; but also lay a sure foundation for elegant 
writing and conversation in all future time. 
Peace of mind and cheerfulness, are the conse- 
quences of such discipline. Obedience and re- 
spect are freely yielded to teachers, and there 
is shown a sincere desire to act up to their duties 
on all points. As the character is gradually 
forming, habit makes self-denial easy ; the things 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

of time are studied in their true contrast with 
those of eternity. 

They are aware that He who formed the lily, 
and lent its perfume to the rose, has not given 
them perception of the beautiful in vain, and 
that taste is to be exercised in both dress and 
deportment ; but they also know that the "ap- 
parelling of the spirit/' is to be mainly sought 
after, and with measures founded on true Chris- 
tian models, are not ashamed to be singular in 
doing right 



TO YOUNG MOTHERS. 



Feeling for you a deep interest, and a corres- 
ponding sympathy for yourselves and your pre- 
cious offspring, was an inducement for me to 
undertake to suggest many things for your bene- 
fit, that my humble experience * has tested the 
worth of. And which, if strictly attended to, 
will greatly lessen the amount of human suffer- 
ing, and increasing our happiness with the enjoy- 
ment of health. For the invaletudinary cannot 
enjoy the many comforts, with which she may 
be surrounded. And with care and prudence, 
with the enjoyment of air, and proper exercise, 
a woman's health may be good in the main, un- 
til of an advanced age, although the mother of 
a large family. 

It is expected and confidently hoped that she 
is blessed with a kind and judicious husband, 



xxi 



22 PREGNANCY. 

that participates with her in all of her joys and 
sorrows ; and therefore the state of pregnancy is 
one of deep interest to him as well as to her. I 
say interesting, because there is no time in wo- 
man's life, when she is so lovely in her appear- 
ance, as when she is growing into the maturity of 
motherhood. It is then that female beauty as- 
sumes the greatest dignity. 



PREGNANCY. 

During this period in the extreme effort of na- 
ture, the common functions of the body are, in 
a measure, thrown out of their • ordinary chan- 
nel, and the irritability of the nervous system is 
such, that she requires during this season, all of 
the sympathy and kindness of her husband and 
friends, and to use (for the sake of her offspring,) 
great patience ; yet philosophy, and a firm trust 
in the good and kind providence of God, who 
comforts and sustains all, who put their trust in 
Him. In this delicate situation, the stomach 
may point out the proper kind of aliment to be 



PREGNANCY. 23 

used ; which, to reason upon the subject, would 
appear very objectionable ; perhaps in fruits or 
drinks, in quantity or quality ; but use sufficient 
to satisfy the longing, for your particular circum- 
stances demand it Yet it is important to guard 
yourself against an active imagination for far 
stretched indulgences j and be as reasonable and 
rational as possible, without endangering your 
peace and happiness, and the welfare of your off- 
spring. 

. The mind, the gem of immortality, should be 
kept as comfortable and easy as your situation 
will permit. Never allow yourselves to go a 
sight-seeing on any account ; and guard your- 
selves as much as possible against unpleasant 
sights ; and if met with accidentally, do not suf- 
fer the mind to dwell upon the object ; but ban- 
ish it in some way, as often as it presents itself 
to your imagination ; great injury often results, 
from dwelling on shocking sights, to the precious 
offspring ; whereas, with prudent care, it might 
have been avoided. 



24 EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. 

EVIDENCES OF PKEGNANCY. 

Many young women, after marriage, are very 
desirous of knowing whether their case is of that 
" delicate nature/' there is no one thing that can 
justly be denominated an unequivocal sign of 
pregnancy. And it is only by a judicious com- 
parison of the different phenomena, that it is 
known to exist, as signs of that situation that 
we will be enabled to obtain satisfactory evidence 
of its existence. 

It is true that there are several peculiarities 
accompanying gestation, almost from the very 
commencement, but they cannot be relied on 
separately as proof, because they are known to 
exist under other circumstances, as characteris- 
tic of other peculiar conditions of the system, 
and evidences of the existence of some diseases 
peculiar to the female sex. For instance, a sup- 
pression of the menses, is one of the most une- 
quivocal signs of pregnancy, and that on which 
we generally place the greatest reliance, and 



EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. 25 

from which we usually reckon, as to the time of 
our confinement ; but a suppression of the menses 
we do know, is produced by a variety of other 
causes, so that alone, it cannot be relied on as 
indubitable evidence. 

Morning sickness, irritability and peevishness 
of temper, are also reckoned among the signs 
of pregnancy ; but they are not proof of this 
condition, because they are known to exist as 
symptoms of disease in both sexes. 

An enlargement of the breast, with a tender- 
ness, and sometimes darting pains, is generally 
indeed, usually produced by pregnancy. But 
these symptoms are frequently connected with, 
and are evidences of a diseased condition of the 
uterus. 

A darkened and enlarged areola, or circle 
around the nipple, is also an evidence that con- 
ception has taken place, and to those who notice 
the change minutely, it is, with the increased 
size of the breast, a good sign ; but some expe- 
rience is necessary to make it of much practical 






26 EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. 

advantage in determining the point in question. 
While therefore it is admitted that all of the 
foregoing symptoms taken separately, do not 
furnish indubitable evidence of pregnancy ; yet, 
nevertheless, when all of these signs are present 
in any one female, whose general health was not 
much interrupted previous to the suppression of 
the Catamenia, they may be considered, at least 
strong presumptive proof that she will be a 
mother ; as they have rarely, if ever been known 
to all exist in any other condition of the system. 
And yet there are many freaks in nature, I have 
been told by mothers, that in that state, the 
smell of a rose would make them sneeze, but in 
no other. And in that condition, myself with 
five children, I have never been similarly affect- 
ed, but which I attributed to a change in my 
system. 

Quickening, or perception of the first move- 
ments of the child, is considered the most cer- 
tain sign, but even this sensation may be pro- 
duced by the action of wind in the bowels, ex- 



EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. 27 

citing a convulsive motion, like that produced by 
the foetus; but an experienced woman could 
hardly mistake the one for the other, and yet it 
is often the case that they do. Quickening us- 
ually occurs about the end of the fourth calen- 
dar month, or eighteen weeks, and is demonstra- 
tive evidence of the existence of a child in the 
womb. The abdomen generally beginning to 
enlarge gradually after the fourth month. 

The womb having previously been confined in 
the pelvis below the brim, now rises out of it, 
and enters the cavity of the abdomen, where it 
increases in size with the growth of the child, 
until the period of gestation is completed, when 
by the established laws of nature, it begins to 
contract upon its contents, which contraction 
continues until the child and its appendages are 
expelled from the uterus, when it leaves the ca- 
vity of the abdomen, and descending again into 
the pelvic regions, to perform Its original func- 
tions. 



28 DURATION OF PREGNANCY. 

DURATION OF PREGNANCY. 

The usual time allowed for the completion of 
gestation, is forty weeks, or nine calendar months. 
It is rarely the case that it continues longer .han 
forty weeks from the time of conception; and 
but seldom consummated in a much shorter 
time, unless by accident, when it is termed 
abortion. Premature births often occur in cases 
of the first child ; where young mothers have 
not had proper instruction. To prevent such 
a misfortune, (as the birth of my two first 
children were both premature,) a liniment of 
sweet oil and brandy was recommended to 
me, of equal quantity, leaving room in the 
bottle to shake it, as it will separate by stand- 
ing. This was of great service to me, as I got 
through ever after safely; this or some emollient 
liniment, I would recommend to all mothers to 
use, af:er the sixth month, to the abdomen, at 
least once in twenty- four hours. 

It has a strengthening and soothing effect at 



DURATION OF PREGNANCY. 29 

the time, and facilitates parturition. And a 
comfortable state of the bowels should also be 
carefully maintained. If the use of fruits, and 
corn or brown bread, will not keep them in a 
proper state, the ground slippery elm, (a tea- 
spoonful to a tumbler of water) mixed and 
drank quickly, two or three times a day, may 
answer the purpose. But if with every atten- 
tion to diet, avoiding cheese, toast, crackers, and 
rice, boiled milk, etc., etc., the constipation con- 
tinues, I found great relief, from the use of sen- 
na and manna. Take a pint jelly cup, (and if 
in warm weather,) fill only one quarter with sen- 
na and manna, and half full of boiling water, and 
place either on a hot hearth or stove, as you 
would tea to draw, fifteen or twenty minutes, 
then set it away to cool, and drink two or three 
good swallows on retiring at night ; and if ne- 
cessary, on getting up in the morning. When 
the bowels are in a proper state, the sickness of 
the stomach is greatly mitigated. But there is 
too much authority, not to believe that parturi- 



30 DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 

tion may not even be delayed until the forty- 
fifth week. On the other hand, it is a pretty 
well established fact, that the term of gestation 
may be completed in thirty-seven or eight weeks 
from the time of conception, so that a perfect 
child may be expelled two or three weeks be- 
fore the termination of the ninth month. 



DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 

Were we all to use proper diet and exercise, 
with care, we would suffer comparatively but 
little by pregnancy. 

Civilization and fashion have produced a train 
of diseases, of a serious nature, to our sex, such 
as the projection or falling of the womb, even 
among our young unmarried females, which were 
never known in my youthful days ; when the 
sj: inning-wheel was in general use, instead of 
the piano-forte. But this is a day of fast travel- 
ing in all ways, and if the other sex were not 
fast in their ways, they might get the chance of 



DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 31 

having two or three wives in this day of luxury 
and fashion. 

Some women suffer very little during this de- 
licate state of the system, but most women suf- 
fer from sickness after conception, more or less, 
for three months, and are then quite relieved ; 
while in other cases, they are more or less afflic- 
ted with sickness, the whole time of gestation, 
being incapable of retaining the least thing on 
their stomachs, and are thereby reduced to a 
state of extreme debility. But I am happy to 
say this is rarely the case. I know one in this 
city, but she got through well, and was blessed 
with a fine healthy boy, and her own health was 
much improved by the whole operation. Dur- 
ing the last three months, or third stage of preg- 
nancy, general uneasiness, restlessness, (particu- 
larly at night), especially if the bowels are cos- 
tive, swelling of the feet and ankles, cramps in 
the lower limbs, and a difficulty of retaining the 
urine for any length of time, varicose swellings 
of the abdomen and lower extremities, together 



32 DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 

with the piles, often prove troublesome ; and the 
heartburn is also a great affliction to many. 

But I found great relief from using only such 
aliment as agreed with my stomach, at that time 
I could use nothing sweet, and neither tea nor 
coffee, etc. Sometimes the common magnesia 
has relieved the heartburn ; and if that fails, a 
teaspoonful of carbonate of magnesia, taken in 
a little milk or syrup, the neutralizing mixture 
is a great remedy for some ; a glass of Sarato- 
ga Water is a relief to some. 

When there is a sense of fulness in the head, 
with a headache and giddiness, reduce the sys- 
tem by dieting, and a common dose of physic ; 
but do not be bled. Also bathe the head and 
feet in salt and water, and apply mustard plas- 
ters to the soles of the feet. A vegetable and 
spare diet should be strictly adhered to ; which 
will prevent the necessity of bleeding. 

For restlessness and want of sleep, a hop- 
pillow, and a little of the tincture of hops 
taken in milk or syrup, on retiring, is a great 



DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 33 

relief to some, after good exercise through the 
day. 

False pains, resembling those attendant upon 
actual labor, are apt to come on at a late period 
of pregnancy; often occasioning great alarm. 
After shaking up the liniment, pour out a suffic- 
ient quantity to bathe, then add to that a tea- 
spoonful of laudanum, and bathe the back and 
thighs, (and if not costive,) the abdomen, and 
take a recumbent position, and if possible go to 
sleep, and it will pass over ; but if costive, take 
some laxative medicine, and after an operation, 
perhaps an anodyne, if not relieved. 

For the suppression of urine, take equal 
quantities of the spirit of mint and sweet nitre, 
add a little gum of camphor ; of this take a tea- 
spoonful every hour until relieved. Barley tea 
is also good, also fomenting the bowels with hops 
and vinegar. 

Should these remedies fail, recourse must be 
had to use a female catheter. When an un- 
usual palpitation of the heart occurs during 



34 THE PREPARATION. 

pregnancy ; it is usually from a disordered state 
of the stomach, which must therefore be cleansed 
by moderate doses of physic. 



THE PREPARATION. 

With what animation and delight the shopping 
cutting, making and preparing is carried on by 
the young mother. 

" And hope, like the rainbow's vision of light, 
Is born like the rainbow in tears." 

How feelingly I do enter with her into all of 
her arrangements, remembering my own intense 
interest, and happiness, in doing all things in 
my power, for the comfort of the expected visi- 
tor : and after the whole arrangement was com- 
pleted, and a drawer contained the complete 
outfit, one suit was selected and laid by itself, 
(we did not know the convenience of a basket 
in those days,) to be used upon the occasion, and 
that was the best model suit, and to descend to 
the wearer. The cushion for baby occupying 
a conspicuous position in the drawer. 



THE BASKET. 35 

My own was a large dove-colored silk velvet, 
one side, the other white lutestring, and these 
words were marked with red marking thread : 

Welcome, welcome, 
Little stranger. 

I might in justice too, have added, "to this 
busy world of care," but that they find sufficient- 
ly soon, coming from so warm a climate, if it is 
in warm weather, how cold this world is to them. 
More on this subject. 

The Basket — Should contain an entire suit 
of clothing, selected for the occasion, which 
should contain a pinning-blanket, (or burrow 
coat as the southerners say,) the fashion to the 
contrary notwithstanding. 

For comfort is indispensable to the health 
of the little one, whose very existence and life, 
seem to hang upon a slender thread. And if 
there is a human being that commands my ten- 
derest regards, it is a new r ly born infant. 

But let us return to the basket, which should 
also contain a roll of old thick linen for the na- 



36 OBSTETRICS. 

vel, and some old flannel to use as cloths for oil- 
ing, etc. Also some good soap, old castile, a 
pin cushion containing small pins for the infant, 
and large stout ones for the mother ; and an in- 
fant's powder box, an ivory comb of sufficient 
size. There are few infants but have sufficient 
hair to require a fine comb to cleanse their head 
from the greasy mucus that surrounds it. 

The bands (called belly bands) should be of 
flannel, of a proper size, turned down an inch at 
the sides, and two or three inches at the ends, 
and either cross-stitched or cat-stitched down. 

In one of the pockets of the basket, some 
small strong braid or twine, a pair of sharp scis- 
sors, and some mutton tallow. It would also 
be well to have a few common napkins or towels 
handy, or in the basket, for the use of the ac- 
coucheur, in the time of labor. 



OBSTETRICS. 

It is humbling to my best sense of propriety to 
feel the incompetence of our own sex to afford 



OBSTETRICS. 37 

the necessary aid to each other at this trying 
time, that tries the system and soul of woman. 
And I hope, and confidently believe a change 
will take place in this custom, and is called for. 
Formerly, matrons assisted in all cases ; it was 
even thought indelicate, even a violation of de- 
cency, to consult a man on these occasions. 
Scarcely an instance was there known of a wo- 
man dying in child-bed, and the loss of a child 
was a rare circumstance ; but in the present 
time, it is no unusual occurrence. No man ac- 
coucheur ought to be employed, but one of tried 
experience, and one of good principles. I have 
known bad cases, where young medical men 
have been impatient to close such an unpleasant 
scene, in closing the life of their patients. 

It is extremely unpleasant, even to us females, 
to be only a spectator of such an event as par- 
turition, and how much more so for a male. But 
I shall ever remember, with a grateful recollec- 
tion, the delicacy, patience, forbearance, kindness 
and skill of some of the physicians I have met 



38 OBSTETRICS. 

with in this city ; and wish there were more of 
the same class, to practice obstetrics. But I am 
of opinion that there are some physicians who 
would be happy to resign their practice in mid- 
wifery, if they could do so to competent female 
accoucheurs. 

This has been a painful subject to me, since 
in early life, with my first child in my sixth 
month; I took a severe pleurisy, and having a 
strong constitution, the conflict was severe ; an 
old experienced physician was called, he said a 
fever was seated, and through copious bleeding, 
a premature birth was produced. I was young, 
but nothing could induce me to have a male at- 
tendant, and the midwife did not succeed in 
withdrawing the placenta, and I had two physi- 
cians before it was removed, and it remained 
thirty-eight hours then, notwithstanding; and 
they were old practitioners. I have always been 
opposed to the presence of many, on such an 
occasion, and ever felt happy to be exempted 
from being present ; yet I have no recollection 



OBSTETRICS. 39 

of refusing my assistance in such a casa As 
far as I know, I have done all in my power, for 
my suffering sex ; and I have, in this city, in a 
case of protracted labor, been obliged to act as 
accoucheur, and the child was born in the absence 
of the doctor, with the umbilical cord twice 
around the neck ; he was black in the face, but 
I removed the cord, and after two or three 
sprinklings with water, restored the child, and 
the doctor came and took the placenta, and all 
was well. I have been inquired of, if I would 
act in those cases having a doctor in the house, 
which I have ever refused to do. Firstly, I 
felt the compensation too small for the labor and 
the risk. And if my patient's mind was not en- 
tirely at rest in the belief of my qualifications, 
it would operate in an unfavorable manner upon 
her. But a female accoucheur that has borne 
children, has personal experience, such as a man 
can never acquire, acknowleged by Dr. Dewees 
and others. And the care of the mother and 
infant is much better under her supervision, hav- 



40 OBSTETRICS. 

ing passed through the same scenes hereelf. 
u The attendance of one female on another, is all 
that is required in the views of many nations at 
the present day, and even in one of the most 
difficult of cases, one that has been shown about 
as a wonder, I mean the Siamese twins, the phe- 
nomena were brought into the world, by female 
aid only, without instruments. Ancient histo- 
rians only mention the assistance of females ; I 
will just call to remembrance the Old Testament 
account, that when Pharoah ordered the mid- 
wives to destroy the male children of the He- 
brew women : 

" But the midwives feared God, and did not 
as the King of Egypt commanded them, but 
saved the male children alive." Therefore God 
dealt well with the midwives and gave them 
houses. 'Tis humiliating to learn from authen- 
tic sources, that the person who changed this con- 
sistent order of propriety, w r as the mistress of 
Louis the Fifteenth of France (Mad. Pompadour) 
and the male attendant was ushered into her 



OBSTETRICS. 41 

apartment, from a secret entrance in the most 
private manner. From the French, it was acloptr 
ed at the English Court and we are copyists of 
these two nations. Dr. Buchan, a member of 
the Royal College of physicians in Edinburgh, 
and who, in fifty years' practice, endeavoured 
to extirpate some of the craft and mystery from 
medical practice, especially in midwifery, makes 
this assertion : " Nature, if left to herself, will 
seldom fail to expel the foetus, so that, according 
to the doctor, it is not leaving nature to her- 
self if she fails to expel the child from the womb. 
It is important to keep up the strength of the 
female as she advances in pregnancy, so that at 
the time of labor she may be in possession of all 
her powers. To effect this, she should use proper 
diet and exercise, and medicine from time to 
time, as they will carry off the humours that 
weaken the system: they will also open the pores 
and keep the body in a good state of perspira- 
tion during labor, and prevent severe after-pains. 
I have witnessed numerous instances, and 



42 OBSTETRICS. 

Know from experience, as well as many others 
on record, that the vegetable medicines are all 
the medicines required during pregnancy, wheth- 
er a fulness or determination of blood in the 
early stages, accompanied with nausea, or cost- 
iveness, or as is sometimes the case, relaxedness 
in the latter stages. Experience teaches us, 
that proper regimen and gentle cleansing medi- 
cines are the reasonable and natural methods to 
keep the blood in healthy action, and the mind 
temperate and calm. A contented mind is a 
prelude to a safe delivery. "So long as there is 
no obstruction or hinderance to the operations of 
nature, she performs her work with unerring pre- 
cision. 

" In case of any obstructions, a female may 
require assistance, but never more than females 
can give. Obstructions will be very rare where 
the practice now recommended is pursued. 
Sufficient can be shown to satisfy the most skep- 
tical that men are inefficient as midwives. It 
is not by a familiarity with rules alone, that a 



OBSTETRICS. 43 

knowledge of the practice of midwifery is to be 
obtained. It is not sufficient to have a knowl- 
edge of, and exact acquaintance with, the struct- 
ure, situation, and functions of the different org- 
ans, which constitute the living body. It is not 
sufficient to have surmounted the disgust, diffi- 
culty, and fatigue, which must necessarily be en- 
dured by such as investigate the cold remains of 
mortality, and with a view to learn from the 
dead body, the structure of the living. It is 
not this that makes a successful assistant in labor 
or in the practice of medicine. This study on 
the dead has often led to scientific operations on 
the living, to the prejudice of both mother and 
child. 

This scientific parade and useless number of 
attendants have been more injurious than no at- 
tention at all. This was the case of the Princess 
Charlotte of England, wife of Prince Leopold, 
now king of the Belgians. 

It was in a measure the indecent presence of 
the ministers of State, who, with royal physici- 



44 OBSTETRICS. 

ans are obliged by law to be present at the ac- 
couchement of a royal princess, that brought on 
that anxiety of mind and excessive fatigue, fol- 
lowed by haemorrhage and convulsions, and ter- 
minated in a fatal syncope, which all of their 
united skill, it appears, could neither prevent nor 
cure. I quote this case, because the rank of 
the sufferer made it a matter of public notoriety, 
although far from being a solitary instance of 
females who have died from the excitement and 
distress occasioned by the unseemly presence of 
too many attendants." 

"The employment of men as midwives, in 
addition to the reasons previously stated, is tol- 
erated on the ground that it is difficult to find 
females who have studied the subject sufficiently 
to aquit themselves with propriety. This may 
be an evil, but it is not without a remedy. When 
females bave a sufficient inducement in the shape 
of a remuneration, it will be more respected as 
an occupation, and cause many intelligent females 
better qualified to follow midwifery as a profes- 



OBSTETRICS. 45 

sion, who now are deterred by the fact, that the 
male practitioner receives the credit, and the 
greater part of the emolument, while indifferent 
wages, and the drudgery part only are the lot 
of the females." 

"The essential requisites in a female prac- 
titioner are patience, attention, cleanliness, and 
watchfulness, accompanied with experience and 
that presence of mind which are peculiar to a 
well-regulated woman. The work must be left 
to nature. Labor is a natural act. It does 
not require the interference of art for its pro- 
motion or accomplishment. We have been told 
of the improvements made in this branch of 
medical science ; but it is notorious that, as the 
science of anatomy advanced to what is called 
its present splendid development, labors were 
thought by the professors to be more difficult, 
and needed medical assistance to protect." "But 
this is easily refuted by fact, by referring the 
reader to the quick and very easy deliveries 
which the Indians in this country are well known 



46 OBSTETRICS. 

to have. They use as a liniment bears oil, and 
when the pangs of parturition come on them, 
they fly to solitude and retirement, and refuse 
the assistance of either male or female, and a 
speedy labor and a quick return to convales- 
cence are the result of leaving nature to her 
unassisted operation." This is also the course 
pursued by the women at the South, and indeed, 
in every part of the globe, where what the doct- 
ors call great ignorance prevails. u But they 
are also in happy ignorance of the separation of 
the bones of the pelvis, the inversion of the 
uterus, and the numerous excruciating tortures 
and fetal results which have followed the unne- 
cessary deliveries by instruments and the hasty 
efforts of some male practitioners. The Caesar- 
ian operations is unknown to them, and those 
useless and cruel experiments which have been 
brought into practice, because the powers of 
nature were not understood, and the powers of 
art too much relied on." 

After nine years' close observation, and prac- 



OBSTETRICS. 47 

tice, as a successful nurse in this city, I ever 
found the most successful practitioners, were 
those who inspired confidence, and hope, in their 
afflicted patients, but left nature free in her op- 
erations, until necessity compelled them to inter- 
fere. And those were old experienced accouch- 
eurs, and men of feeling, and good established 
religious principles. I think it a great blessing 
«m these days of excitement, when physicians are 
sent for on every minor occasion, when rest, and 
proper aliment, would be all that was necessary 
in their case, at the time ; that the physician 
should be a man that " would do as he would be 
done by," and prescribe in that feeling even at 
the risk of offending his employer. That he 
may not be like the man who said, " I was well, 
I took physic, and now here I am." At best 
we are poor creatures, let us cultivate patience 
and a firm trust in God, so much wanted in this 
day of wild speculation in all things, yes even 
in that which deeply concerns the situation of an 
immortal soul. I am equally afraid of old, as 



48 OBSTETRICS. 

well as of young physicians, having known old 
ones called in council, that recommended the 
wrong course, which not being attended to, the 
dear mother and child got safely through the 
trying scene, by the patience and skill of the at- 
tending physician. And in my humble experi- 
ence, I am not conscious of ever having being 
present where instruments were brought into use 
but once, and that, even not in this city ; but th^ 
mother and child did well. I could quote much 
authority, and many authors, from the different 
schools, which practice obstetrics, as well as 
medicine, who enforce the propriety of female 
accoucheurs. But fashion, and the want of con- 
fidence in their skill is the great barrier to a 
successful effort. 

But my dear young mothers calmly reflect on 
the impropriety of banishing your husband from 
the room, and admitting a man-midwife. Some 
physicians have renounced the practice, as lead- 
ing to impurity. Yes, some affirm it to be, the 
secret of adultery. 



OBSTETRICS. 49 

At least it is extremely disagreeable to a deli- 
cate mind ; I always felt deeply for them, as 
well as for my patient and myself, and I must 
confess myself to have been misinformed in one 
thing, supposing the doctor could change the 
position of the child, if it is presented wrong. 
I was always anxious for an early investigation 
for that purpose. But an old midwife who 
brought her Credentials from the Edinburgh 
University informed me, that was mostly a 
means to delude the unwary ; that all accoucheurs 
know that when they could ascertain the posi- 
tion, it would endanger the life of the patient, 
as well as the child, to change it. She said 
she had officiated in more than fifteen hun- 
dred cases, and in the whole of her practice she 
had only twelve breech presentations, and very 
few feet or arms, and mostly all did well. I 
thought her skilful, but her washing and 
dressing the infant, were not well done ; she 
was not cleanly. Cleanliness in all of its branches 
5 



50 OBSTETRICS. 

is an important requisition in a sick room : I 
think her fee was ten dollars. 

I will close my remarks on Obstetrics, by 
quoting from Dr. Beach's American Practice 
and Family Physician : 

" Women, in general, are ignorant of partu- 
rition and delivery. Almost all of them are un- 
der the impression, that labor is completed more 
by art than nature ; hence the most noted ac- 
coucheurs are employed to attend during this 
interesting period ; and professional men, in 
general, have no wish to undeceive them on 
this subject, as their interest is too much con- 
cerned. I have often been astonished to see the 
credulity and ignorance manifested on these oc- 
casions. Thanks and blessings have been pour- 
ed upon me, under the idea that I had saved 
their lives in labor, when I had merely looked 
on, and admired the perfectly adequate power 
of nature, and superintended the efforts of her 
own work ; and it is nature that accomplishes 



OBSTETRICS. 51 

all ; while the accoucheur gets the credit of it. 
There is not one case in a thousand, in which 
you can do more than remain a silent spectator 
except to calm the fear of the timid attendants. 
The mischief and injury that is done by the 
untimely interference of art, is incalculable." 

u In pregnancy, women are bled until they 
have not strength enough to accomplish delive- 
ry ; and when it takes place, the forceps or 
other instruments are used ; which often prove 
fetal to the mother or child, or both. 

" Were all women properly instructed in this 
branch, many lives would be saved ; and it is 
in this branch, that I wish to see a reform, as 
well as in other branches of medicine. All wo- 
men ought to be instructed in midwifery, and 
those of a proper turn of mind, should be well 
qualified to act in the capacity of midwives ; 
no man should ever be permitted to enter the 
apartment of a woman in labor, except in con- 
sultation on an extraordinary occasion. The 
practice is unnecessary, unnatural, and wrong. 



52 OBSTETRICS. 

" And now reader, if I have succeeded in awak- 
ening your attention and enlisting your feelings 
on a subject important to you. to me, to all our 
fellow-creatures. Reader ! if you be a woman, 
forget that I am a man ; if a man listen to me 
as you would to a brother. Let us converse, 
not as men, not as w r omen, but as human beings, 
with common interests, instincts, wants, weak- 
nesses. Let us converse without prejudice, and 
without passion, let the poet's exhortation be ap- 
plied to the investigation." 

" Retire • the world shut out, thy thoughts call home ; 
Imagination's airy wing repress • 
Lock up thy senses, let no passion stir, 
Wake all to reason, let her reign alone." 

u I may invoke your aid in carrying out the 
great principles I advocate, namely, of insuring 
your greater safety at the hour of trial ; and 
the future health and happiness of yourselves 
and little ones, and the banishment from your 
bed-side of the anomaly so offensive to the re- 
fined delicacy of j^our natures, the man-midwife, 
and the substitution of a qualified female in his 



OBSTETRICS. 53 

place. Well assured am I, from a long inter- 
course with my fellow-men, that if you will but 
allow your own feelings of self-respect to exercise 
their due influence, and induce you to proclaim 
your reluctance (rather your abhorrence) to have 
the privacy of such sacred moments invaded by 
the disgusting presence of a strange man (ex- 
cept on extraordinary occasions) your husbands 
will be foremost to second you in your good 
resolutions and in securing your welfare, and 
will not fail to appreciate, by their increased re- 
gard for you, the aspirations of such true deli- 
cacy." 

Before confinement, if the bowels are not free, 
a fall large enema should be taken, it will facili- 
tate parturition and greatly relieve the patient. 
Calculation is now necessary to arrange the bed- 
covering, in such a way that we can add or di- 
minish without endangering the health of the 
patient. If in winter, a thick comfortable is 
not proper, but a thin one with blankets. The 
bed in all cases, should be a mattress, it is more 



54 OBSTETRICS. 

easily adjusted and comfortable, then a thick 
comfortable spread entirely over, then the oil 
cloth, on the side to be occupied by the patient, 
and afler the sheet is spread over an amount 
of sufficient texture, (either a small comfort or 
blanket) to absorb all things, and a thick folded 
sheet over that, and then the covering for the 
bed. 

The clean clothing of the patient (night gown 
and chemise) may be put on, and the others 
slipped off the shoulders but kept on, and the 
clean kept up until after parturition, and a 
folded sheet under all, fastened, to be easily re- 
moved, that the patient can then be made com- 
fortable without exposure or a check to the 
perspiration ; a simple broad piece of russia lin- 
nen is the best for bandages, nicely pinned, as 
I am of opinion that a sudden check of this 
perspiration is often the cause of puerperal fever. 

The nurse should have in readiness, if in sum- 
mer, a flannel petticoat and cotton sheet for the 
infant, if in cold weather a blanket four double, 



OBSTETRICS. 55 

in folds, and receive the infant from the accouch- 
eur in the petticoat, and cover head and all up, 
and wrap the sheet or blanket well around, al- 
ways leaving an open breathing place ; and if 
the weather is cold all of those things should be 
warm; then lay the infant comfortably away and 
attend to the Doctor, having seen all was ready 
(chamber, etc.,) for the placenta (or after birth) 
and the bandage adjusted ; when at liberty, and 
the room in good condition, get all things in 
readiness for washing and dressing the infant as 
quick as possible, and do it well ; (work once w T ell 
done, is reputed to be twice done) but in this 
case, I think it is four times done Hence a piece 
of old holland linen when doubled about six inches 
square, cut a hole in the centre the size of the 
end of your thumb, and oil the hole, and arrange 
the articles for dressing and all in readiness be- 
fore uncovering the infant at all ; then having 
the water a proper warmth and soaped ; your 
oil or lard ready, take a small piece of the flan- 
nel dip it in the oil and gently oil the face, eyes, 



56 OBSTETRICS. 

ears, head, around the neck, and arm pits plenti- 
fully and also the groins and under the knee . 
keeping the infant as well covered as you consist- 
ently can ; after oiling, then with a larger piece 
of flannel commence with the face, (as before, and 
suffer no bright light to come to the eyes) and 
cleanse with the soap and water, but before 
wiping, hold up the infant and get some one to 
turn the petticoat inside out, then wrap up your 
baby, and wipe and oil and w T ash again, if not 
properly cleansed in every part. I always 
found a oomb to properly cleanse the head nec- 
essary. And be careful to not get any water in- 
to the ear or eyes, but cleanse them nicely. 

When done, take the linen with the hole in 
it pass the umbilical cord (or navel string) 
through the hole and wrap it around, having the 
belly-band spread on your lap, lay the infant on 
the back and wrapping the linen nicely around 
the cord so that the cord cannot touch the skin 
turn it towards the chin, and commence pinning 
the belly-band at the bottom pretty snug, but 



DUTIES OF CURSES. 57 

so loose, that your three fingers can pass readily 
under ; after reaching the navel then pin loose, 
to give the lungs free room to play ; mind and 
commence on the Jeft side to pin, if you are 
right handed, then it will come handy. Then 
the shirt, burrow coat, etc., and other clothes for 
the season, after the infant is dressed and warmed 
if cold, the mother requires some nourishment, 
and other attention to make her entirely com- 
fortable, which must be done without exposing 
her ; the sheet and soiled linen from her person, 
and the sheet underneath, can now (if no unus- 
ual flow,) be removed. And the placenta, (or 
after birth) can be disposed of. If the vault of the 
privy is deep, and no improper persons in your 
path, put it in ; the former practice was to burn 
them. 



DUTIES OF CURSES. 

Your duties are next in importance to the phy- 
sician. The design of this work is intended for 
the initiate, or those persons who are desirous to 



58 DUTIES OF NURSES. 

be informed how to be successful in attending 
upon mothers after their confinement, and their 
infants. I do not expect this work to claim any 
attention from those who are established in their 
own way of doing for the sick ; I wish them en- 
tire success, and my kind regards are for the good 
of all, who claim my warm sympathy. I re- 
member in early life, whilst attending upon a sick 
sister, that I felt myself so awkward, that I re- 
marked, I wanted to be so sick, as to know how 
to wait, and properly attend upon the sick. 

The first time I saw my sister, after an ex- 
treme illness, she inquired if I thought I could 
then wait upon the sick. Yes, my lessons were 
deep and instructive, and it is an art that re- 
quires a personal knowledge of its requirements 
and duties, to be well done. And it is my 
opinion, that any one should not adopt nursing 
as an occupation in confinements, that have not 
a strong sympathy with mothers and their ten- 
der infants. 

If they have a proper regard and feeling for 



DUTIES OF NURSES. 59 

them, they will do all in their power to make 
them comfortable and their minds quiet and hap- 
py ; avoiding all noise, wearing quiet slippers, 
and never whisper in a sick room. 

If necessary to speak, do so to be understood; 
strangers should not intrude themselves for at 
least two weeks. Never allow any thing to keep 
you out of the room unnecessarily ; and spend 
no time chatting with domestics. But ever be 
respectful and kind to them, and they will be 
in return. In using various articles, after learn- 
ing their places, be careful to put them in their 
right place It is important to carry out the 
old maxim: "A place for every thing, and 
every thing in its place." 

In my opinion, there is great injury done to 
a patient, for the nurse to use authoritativeness 
with the children, if there are others, be kind, or 
" do to every one as we would wish them to do 
to us," if we were similarly situated, bear and 
forbear. And ever bear in mind that, in ano- 
ther's employ we are, in duty bound, to do all 



6 DUTIES OF NURSES. 

in our power to please them ; and do as nearly 
so as we can, without asking too many questions. 
But the children, if admitted two or three times 
during the day, should have other sleeping 
rooms, the mother and infant are all you should 
be expected to take the care of through the 
night. The use of tobacco in any way by a 
nurse is very offensive to the sick ; I was terribly 
annoyed in a severe illness, with my nurse's 
snuffing, which I think the least obnoxious of 
any other way of use, And the use of any 
other stimulant is dangerous to yourselves, and 
to your patient ; for any thing we love, we will 
be giving or recommending to others. Opium 
in all of its variety of mixtures is deleterious to 
the human system, and should never be given to 
infants, in paregoric, or in cordials, carminatives 
or any other way. More anon. 

If there is no fear of a flowing, and the after 
pains are severe, hot hop tea is a soothing ano- 
dyne, and the tincture of hops given cold, re- 
lieves. 



CARE OF PATIENTS. 61 

CARE OF PATIENTS. 

After all things are arranged in the room, be- 
fore retiring for the night, select an entire change 
for the bed, and your patient, not omitting the 
bandage, and arrange them under your own pil- 
low ; after sleeping upon them, there is no dan- 
ger of cold from dampness, this course I con- 
tinued my whole time. The napkins or clothes 
to be in use for the lochia, should be entirely 
dry ; and then keep a sufficient supply under 
your patient's bolster, for her use, as they are 
wanted. Have a box or basket, or a bag of suf- 
ficient dimensions to receive those clothes in, 
often remove them from the room, to some pro- 
per place, paying a constant attention to the dis- 
charge, that it is not too much, nor too little of 
which you must inform the physician. The room 
should be well aired, and kept as free as possi- 
ble from any unpleasant odor. 

The diet of the patient must be directed by 
the accoucheur and her own inclination ; but in 



62 CARE OF PATIENTS. 

nearly all cases, it should be light, such as pana- 
da, gruel, either of oatmeal or corn ; consult her 
wishes as to the thickness, etc. In every thing 
consult her wishes and her comfort. The infant 
should be kept in bed as long as the mother re- 
mains there ; and only taken up to examine it, 
it should not be suffered to remain wet, and they 
should be kept comfortable, and not suffered to 
cry with hunger. It is my confirmed belief, that 
no infant will cry, unless they are in pain, sick or 
hungry. Dear little ones, how often they are 
drugged, when the mother's breast and bosom is 
the only panacea they want ; and the one pro- 
vided by the good God of nature. And the 
dear young mothers : I feel for you, as you take 
your infant to your breast, it is a pleasing, al- 
though a painful sensation; but dear hearts 
shrink not from it, if you would be a happy 
mother. But come up nobly to your self-sacri- 
ficing duties, and be a faithful mother, and you 
will be rewarded daily. As soon as practicable 
put the infant to the breast ; as they, soon after 



CARE OF PATIENTS. 63 

birth, show an inclination to suck ; and if no 
milk is yet secreted, there is an oily substance 
important to remove, and prepare the breast 
gently for the milk ; and it acts as a charm on 
the infant's stomach and bowels ; removing the 
meconium from the bowels in most cases, without 
resorting to oil. And when this is done effectu- 
ally, the milk comes, without the great effort of 
nature, producing a chill and fever, the third or 
fourth day after confinement. The nurse must 
daily examine as she pins on the bandage, whe- 
there is any soreness on the touch of the lower 
part of the abdomen, if so, wet a flannel in 
strong camphor, heat it hot, and apply it until 
it is removed. It is important for the patient 
to make water soon after confinement, or within 
twelve hours. It will afford great relief, although 
she may not be conscious of feeling any necessi- 
ty for it. 

A bed pan should be used for the purpose ; 
but if she cannot succeed with the pan, and 
there is no danger of flowing too much, let her 



64 CAKE OF PATIENTS. 

turn on her knees, and with a small chamber, 
perhaps she can accomplish the desired object. 
If an injection were taken every morning, with a 
French syringe, with from a half pint to a pint 
of warm water, with a little castile soap in it, 
there would be no necessity of taking any cath- 
artics. 

The temperature of the room should range 
from sixty to sixty-six degrees of a Fahrenheit 
thermometer, and never more than seventy; 
and kept about the same temperature. A nurse 
should therefore, be always provided with a ther- 
mometer, and consult it often, and regulate the 
warmth of the room accordingly. 

It will not be necessary to undress the infant 
for twelve hours, and even then, I would not dis- 
turb the belly-band much, but see that all was 
right : they are so sore, they should be handled 
gently, and as little as possible, avoiding dandl- 
ing or trotting for a few days at least after birth. 
I think it best to keep them in bed, even if they 
do worry a little, for they soon acquire the habit 



CARE OF PATIENTS. 65 

of being nursed, and it exposes them to an un- 
comfortable draft of air. The ear is a sensi- 
tive organ, and for the first week should be mo- 
derately protected; but gradually with using 
cold water on the head, and around the ears 
every morning, it can soon with safety be more 
exposed. Many infants often cry with ear-ache, 
and no one knows or thinks of the cause. But 
notice their motions, the ear that is painful they 
will be putting up their little hands to it ; and if 
it is only an itching sensation, rubbing it gently 
will relieve it ; but if from cold, some animal 
oil should be applied, which will soften the parts 
and give relief. But never use a vegetable oil ; 
it may be a temporary relief mixed with lauda- 
num, but will harden the parts, and increase the 
difficulty in the end. This I found to be the 
case with my own children. I used to put a 
little salt butter in a tea spoon, and melt it ; let 
it cool, the salt would then descend to the bot- 
tom, I then dropped three drops of the oil off 

at the top into the ear, and blew tobacco 
6 



66 CARE OF PATIENTS. 

smoke in, holding a napkin between the ear and 
the mouth, which always gave relief. Never lay 
the infant near the mother in bed, with a blanket 
on, but always put it on when it is taken up. 

In changing the bed, make up one side, with 
the clean linen, and then assist your patient to 
change her own dress, then help her over into 
the clean part, after which, remove the offensive 
articles, and make up that side; it can be done 
so nicely by gathering the under sheet half up 
in your hands, and placing it where you had 
removed the under one, pretty well over, then 
take the upper sheet in the same way, having 
the right side of both sheets towards the patient, 
in this way it is all done so quickly, and so easy 
no exposure and no trouble. It is important in 
cold weather to have the water tepid for the pa- 
tient's use in washing ; and if she is free from 
perspiration, she should bathe well around the 
neck, breasts, armpits, but quickly ; not expos- 
ing herself, and if she is in the habit of taking 
cold baths daily, the water need not be warmed, 



CARE OF PATIENTS. 67 

after the fourth day, but use the water that has 
remained in the room all night, except at her 
request, if she wishes it tepid, have it so. 

But the cold water hardens the breasts and 
nipples, and operates as a safe guard against her 
taking cold. The nipples should be carefully 
attended to, from the first of the infant's nursing, 
some think themselves benefitted by using a har- 
dening solution, the two last months of preg- 
nancy, viz. : 

Take equal parts of borax, alum and loaf su- 
gar, dissolve in rain water, after they are in pow- 
der, put in more of the ingredients than will 
dissolve; and bathe the nipple around every 
day. 

Some have been benefitted by the use of 
this solution, and others have received no ad- 
vantage from it. But I have an Elixir for can- 
ker, which, if used when they begin to feel ten- 
der, and persevered in the use of, I never knew 
it fail to permanently cure. But patience must, 
in tiiis, as in other things, have its perfect work; 



68 CARE OF PATIENTS. 

my nurse told me not to expect them to be en- 
tirely sound, until I could ride out and take the 
fresh air. But my patients were not that long 
afflicted ; but thought a week or ten days a long 
time. Have a soft linen cloth and a cup of cold 
water, to wash the nipples off, after the child 
nurses, and before. And never fail to give the 
babe one. whole tea-spoonful of cold water every 
morning. Washing its mouth is not sufficient, 
the water should reach the stomach, to prevent 
the thrush. 

If that is done, they will never have a sore 
mouth, unless from another cause ; I have 
known the mother's mouth sore before and after 
confinement, and to wet the nipple from their 
mouth, and give the infant a sore mouth, that 
was very hard to cure. But a cloth and cold 
water is the best thing; if in cold weather, and 
the patient is in a perspiration, hold the cloth to 
the fire a moment, before handing it, lest it gives 
a chill to her. 



CARE OF THE INFANT. 69 

CARE OF THE INFANT. 

If it does not get sufficient nourishment from the 
breast, and cries from hunger, they will show 
pretty good signs, such as sucking their fingers 
or their tongue, are good indications of hunger. 
If cream can be obtained that is pure, take 
five of water, to one of good cream, having the 
water warm, and sweeten it with loaf sugar, but 
very little, about as sweet as milk from the 
breast, and give sufficient to satisfy, but do not 
fail to put it to the breast as many as four or 
six times in twenty-four honrs, that it may not 
forget how to suck ; and how to work for its liv- 
ing. I think a table spoon is better than a tea 
spoon,, and not pour it down, but let it suck it 
out. But, if possible, give nothing but the mo- 
ther's milk, the infant will not in general suffer 
as much from cholic, and many other ways, and 
thrive much better, and avoid giving them many 
remedies, they had better worry a little; and 
make them comfortable, but never walk with 



70 CARE OF THE INFAOT. 

them, for their pleasure ; a nurse can do many- 
things with them in her arms, which is very well; 
but the habit of walking with them is a bad one, 
doing them no good. The washing and dressing 
the infant should be done quickly ; therefore all 
things wanted on the occasion should be in readi- 
ness with the basket, and if in cold weather, the 
room of a proper temperature. Then undress, 
taking off the shirt but not the burrow-coat, keep 
that fastened with the lower pin around the feet; 
wash the head, and well around ears, face, and 
neck, and use a little soap for the bosom and 
hands with cold water, then with a soft old lin- 
nen pocket handkerchief, if to be had, dry it 
as quickly as possible and put on the shirt, and 
wrap a soft small blanket or the burro\j coat, 
cover the upper part; and put a little hot water 
into your water for the lower part, but do not 
disturb the belly-band only to see that all is right 
the first washing. * 

Before the second washing, take a piece of old 
linen six inches long and three wide ; double it, 



CARE OF THE INFANT. 71 

and tear it half way down in the middle double, 
then either with sweet oil, or lard, touch the torn 
edges the width of a finger nail around, when the 
belly-band is opened, slip this under the cloth 
on the navel close around, bringing the ends 
close together ; this, if done right, will prevent 
the hard parts from coming in contact with the 
skin of the abdomen, which it would excoriate 
if it did so. The band must not be so loose as 
to move about and irritate the navel, and also 
lie smooth, all of which is easily done by attend- 
ing to the explicit directions here given on the 
first dressing. But attend carefully to your pins 
before the fourth dressing, and indeed from the 
first, attention must be given to the breasts of 
the infant, and if no roundness nor hardness, 
moisten them with a little sweet oil when dressing, 
or strong camphorated spirit ; this will in many 
cases prevent a hardness ; and if the hardness 
should appear, make a little cerate of sweet oil 
and bees-wax; melt the wax in a tincup and then 
add sweet oil, and simmer them a few minutes 



72 CARE OF THE INFANT. 

together; when cold take a piece of canton 
flannel sufficiently long to reach across the breast, 
and wide enough ; then round the upper side 
out to the breasts, and spread the napped side 
with the cerate and keep renewing the cerate 
until the lump is entirely softened. I always 
succeeded with this and think it much better 
than a poultice. It is necessary to rub the parts 
again with camphor when this is removed. The 
infant if laid on one side, should be gently turned 
over once an hour for its comfort, as well as 
the more perfect circulation of the blood, and 
development of the entire human system. But 
when entirely well, the back is the most proper 
position ; for then the lungs can play more freely; 
and the head raised a little, that if it throws 
up its milk, it will not choke ; but if it 
have cholic (a hot compress of flannel is better 
for cholic than teas) it cannot he long on 
its back ; apply the compress below the navel. 
If there is any obstruction in making water, or 
the meconium does not pass off by the third or 



CARE OF THE INFANT. 73 

fourth day, the doctor should be informed, and if 
he recommends oil, lay the infant on its back 
the head a little raised on the lap, and the oil 
having been a little warmed, place the spoon 
upon the tongue and moderately press it down, 
having some of the mother's milk to rinse it 
down, or put the infant to the breast. Some- 
times in warm weather, when the umbilical cord 
is small, it comes off the fourth day ; therefore 
it is best to prepare two pieces of old holland : I 
prepared them double ; brown one side and spread 
on as thin as possible a coat of mutton tallow, 
then grate some nutmeg over that side. I al- 
ways prepared two pieces, and placed them in 
one of the pockets of the basket and changed 
them every dressing, but kept those same two 
pieces scraping off any matter or impurity, and 
adding more of the tallow if necessary, and then 
it is ready for use, without waiting and exposing 
the child. "Order is Heaven's first law," which 
also accelerates dispatch. It is a German notion 
not to remove the old cloths for fresh ones, and 



74 CARE OF THE INFANT. 

I was always so successful that I continued them. 
If the powder provided does nob keep the groins 
and skin entirely well, prepare some flour nicely, 
a dark brown color, nearly as brown as coffee ; 
it is a slow process to do it rightly, but it will 
heal any skin I ever met with. A kitchen shovel 
is the best implement to use, and with a broad 
bladed knife and a proper heat it can be evenly 
browned ; but it requires constant turning over : 
then put it into a little box or strong paper in the 
baby's basket, and it is always ready. 

Never make use of pins in the infant's blankets, 
as it has sufficient annoyances without the ad- 
dition of suffering from pins in pillows, blankets, 
etc. But a cushion should always be near, to 
place any stray pin in, or for getting one for use. 

Some infants appear to be tongue-tied, but if 
they ever extend their tongue over their lip, the 
difficulty of their nursing is from some other 
cause; either the nipple is too short for them to 
get their tongue around, or they have been im- 
properly fed, or wind in their little stomachs 



CARE OF THE INFANT. 75 

may prevent; but cease not to use all your 
patience, and perseverance, to acquire such an 
important result ; especially so, if the mother's 
milk is hard to draw. The powers of a little 
infant are one of the wonders of nature, and show 
the entire perfection of the works of the Great 
Architect, adapting the means to the end. But 
like the children of a larger growth, they prefer 
to live without labor ; especially, if it is sweetened, 
and pleases their taste better. But too much sweet- 
ening is very pernicious to the human stomach; 
for if it becomes an acid in the stomach, it des- 
troys the gastric fluid of the parts, and is pro- 
ductive of indigestion. If the infant does not 
make w T ater without pain, and there is a defi- 
ciency in quantity after they have a full diet, 
water-melon seeds steeped, and the water a trifle 
sweetened with loaf-sugar and given, will some- 
times relieve. Raw coffee ground and made into 
a tea in the same w 7 ay is also good, w^hich is one 
of Doctor Richards' remedies. If these do not 
relieve, I never knew Harlem oil to fail ; two 



76 THE BREASTS. 

drops given morning and evening a few times, 
will answer the purpose, given in a little of the 
mother's milk, or warm sweetened water. 



THE BREASTS 

Will feel in most cases extremely uncomforta- 
ble and distended, the third or fourth day ; and 
the patient is greatly alarmed, fearing the great 
affliction of a bealed breast ; then is the time for 
the active exercise of both faith and patience, 
doing nothing rashly, but perseveringly, and 
coolly ; with proper care, and prudent manage- 
ment, all will result well; if they are, in a gentle 
way, rubbed once or twice with sweet oil to ame- 
liorate them, then with a glass to fit, with a good 
india rubber bulb, the milk can be extracted 
with little trouble ; but on no account apply cam- 
phor, as this will dry up the milk and scatter it 
off from the nipple, and then as it flows into the 
breast it cannot be drawn out, and a broken 
breast is the result ; to prevent which, I would 
not use external applications ; there are more 



THE LOCHIA. 77 

sure internal remedies, which do not render 
the breast sensitive, and therefore less liable 
to cold. The diet of the patient at this time 
should be solids; the thirst is extremely great, 
but if the patient prudently abstain from liquids, 
this difficulty will soon subside. If the nipples 
are tender, redouble your diligence in applying 
a remedy, and if they do not grow worse by the 
constant sucking of the infant, they will soon be 
better; therefore be encouraged, it takes time 
and care, to harden them; but to wipe or wash 
the nipple, in cold water, before and after the 
nursing of the child, is an excellent practice, 
and should never be omitted 



THE LOCHIA 

Will change or nearly cease for the time, 
about the fifth day, and if there has been no 
sudden change of perspiration, no fears should 
be permitted to obscure the prospect that all is 
well; and the anticipation of coming evil, is one 
of the greatest sources of misery in this state of 



78 THE LOCHIA. 

being. Therefore, our Divine lawgiver impresses 
this excellent truth, that "sufficient unto the 
day, is the evil thereof; " and cultivate a full be- 
lief and trust in God. The discharge will return 
perhaps, changed in color, and extremely un- 
pleasant. 

The room should have fresh air admitted every 
day, but it is now imperative and necessary to 
be well ventilated, and it may also be necessary 
to have the chloride of soda to sprinkle the carpet 
and bed with ; but this is of short duration, and 
the improvement of your general health is now 
apparent, the use of a little animal food is invit- 
ing, and the time to sit up approaching. I am 
in hopes, that if your nurse is not qualified to be- 
guile the time with a little interesting reading, 
that your dear husband will at least dedicate his 
evenings to that object. The home social circle; 
is too much neglected in these days of fast liv- 
ing, and the joy of contentment is nearly un- 
known. 

Sitting up. — On the tenth day, all things ready, 



THE LOCHIA. 79 

if in winter, your nurse must have your room of 
a proper warmth, your chair and stool before the 
fire, all of the clothing by the fire, slippers and 
all ; and when dressed, let her bring- the chair to 
the side of the bed: rise out on your feet, 
and remain until your clothes are properly ad- 
justed, then sit down in the chair which has a 
large blanket in it, and the nurse will wrap up 
your feet in the blanket and draw the chair to 
the fire, placing your feet upon the stool in the 
blanket. 

It is also important to have some restorative 
at hand, that if a faintness, giddiness, or a sick 
sensation from the change of posture take 
place, immediate relief can be obtained. Half 
an hour is about the proper length of time, to 
remain up, at first, prudence is the great safe 
guard, to a speedy return to health ; and never 
use all of your strength, and get the back ache, 
a prelude to serious difficulty. And that affords 
sufficient time to adjust and arrange the bed, 
which ought to be freshly aired during the ar- 



80 THE LOCHIA. 

rangement, if it can be done and not expose the 
patient. The chair can again be drawn to the 
bed, loosen the clothes, and let the patient 
again bear her weight upon her feet, and assist 
her into bed, which will feel more than comfort- 
able. The second time of sitting up, if all 
things continue right, it would be proper for the 
patient to walk a few steps, if she is able to do 
so, to her chair. The broad bandages should be 
well pinned on to the lochia cloth, when she 
thinks of getting up ; and it is pleasant to hus- 
bands to see their wives up, therefore the time 
to be up is most proper when he will be expected 
to be at home. 

The room should always be in as good order 
as possible, therefore I always swept the carpet, 
very early, in winter by candle-light, in summer 
at four o'clock ; changing the bed seldom occa- 
sions less litter, and if anything should litter the 
carpet, take it up with the dust pan. 

The infant should be with the nurse at night, 
excepting when it is nursing. If it get a good 



THE LOCHIA. 81 

supper, it will mostly sleep until after midnight. 
As a general thing, the sick room should be all 
quiet at nine o'clock ; for no one can know how 
long that quietude can last. 

Riding out must depend upon the patient's 
health, the time of year, the weather must not be 
damp; if her health is good, and the weather 
cold, but dry, with proper care she may ride out 
in two or three weeks, which would improve her 
general health, then she ought to go well attend- 
ed ; in a close carriage, having either a buffalo 
robe or blanket to place her feet on, then bring 
it over her lap. And not ride too far, but re- 
turn to the sick room for one month at least ; 
and on no account change her bed, yet, after ten 
days, then it is her privilege to increase the 
time of sitting up, according as her strength 
will bear, without overdoing it ; which should be 
carefully avoided. If the weather is cold and 
dry, after two weeks, properly attired, a little ex- 
ercise, by walking in another room, with a kind 
arm to lean upon, would be very salutary to the 



82 the patient's food. 

patient, and prepare the way for riding out safely. 
And if the use of injections every morning, 
has been attended to, they can, now that she is 
up, be dispensed with, and stewed prunes and 
peaches will, in all probability, be sufficient to 
aid nature in her operations. 



THE PATIENT'S FOOD. 

If a patient can be prevailed upon, she should 
always take her breakfast before the nurse, as 
it can then be prepared fresh, and in good order, 
of the material the most agreeable to her taste, 
and she is in want of nourishment from her nurs- 
ing the infant through the night. I always 
enjoyed my own meals best if I could wait 
upon my patient first with every meal. But if 
that cannot be done, they should never be served 
with the remains of the table, but have some- 
thing nice to suit, cooked in the neatest manner, 
and served up with a napkin, on the waiter, and 
one for their own use also. It is important for 
the patient, that a nurse should maintain a kind, 



THE PATIENT^ FOOD. 83 

cheerful, countenance, and " never be weary in 
well doing." If there is any situation in life, 
that calls for the sacrifice of self, it is that of 
a nurse. 

And it is with much pleasure that I can say, 
there are very few cases in which such interest 
is not appreciated : dear young mothers, your 
entire good, both soul and body, is very near 
my best life, and I often recur to the time, I 
have passed with many of you, with your little 
ones, with great satisfaction. 

The use of corsets, or any hard, or tight 
pressure upon the abdomen, should be avoided 
during pregnancy, for nature with great care, 
lest the infant should be injured, entirely sur- 
rounds it with a fluid, and any hard substance, 
that might cramp or confine their motions, 
might be attended with the serious consequences 
of clubbed feet or other marks. But now, 
for your own welfare, when the bandage is re- 
moved, put on the French corsets, sufficient- 
ly low and roomy, not to bear in, in the 



84 the patient's food. 

least degree upon the breasts. And form your 
shape the natural size. If there is any hard 
substance that excoriates the breast, it may have 
a very serious termination ; yes, even a cancer 
has arisen apparently from a small cause, when 
the system was disposed to it. And the breast 
is a sensitive and delicate part of the human 
system. Children in nursing should not be al- 
lowed to pinch and handle the other breast 
roughly. And after weaning, some mothers, by 
way of indulgence, permit them to handle them 
in a way, that they may suffer for exceedingly 
some day. 

It is well to understand that the food of the 
mother has an extended effect upon the infant, 
therefore, for a time acids should be avoided, and 
some kinds of vegetables will cause the little 
ones pain, I have known them even suffer from 
their mothers using prunes, but if they do, they 
would suffer more from her taking a cathartic, 
of two evils choose the least. 

And the mind of the mother also affects the 



THE PATIENT'S FOOD. 85 

little one, as well as her own health, a mind free 
from excitement, and cheerful, greatly promotes 
convalescence. And I think, it is wicked to be 
unhappy, for we are indulging a repining dis- 
position, when we ought to be returning thanks 
to God for our many blessings. 

When the mother does not have a sufficient 
flow of milk for the infant, the use of ale, wine, 
and even milk-punch, I have known Physicians 
recommend as well as others, to increase the 
quantity, which, in most cases has a contrary 
effect, as it creates a fulness not natural in the 
system, and sometimes a fever, even depreciating 
the quantity of milk. I would increase the 
quantity of liquids, with weak tea and coffee, but 
by all means take air and exercise, they are as im- 
portant to our being as our food. Indeed, we can 
exist longer without food than air. But with the 
proper stimulant of good air, and a proper degree 
of exercise, with attention to our daily habits, 
not allowing a constipated habit to take posses- 



86 the patient's food. 

sion of our system, we can enjoy a good degree 

of health and happiness. 

Health is the medium through which we alone 
can enjoy the many good things of this life, and 
it often makes my heart sad to see some who 
appear to value the continuance of it so lightly. 

Those persons who are determined not to be 
troubled with a large family and apply to those 
wretches who daily advertise their assistance to 
women in this business, cannot consider that 
a violation of the laws of nature will be visited 
even upon their own heads in their loss of health, 
perhaps of life ; with the bitter reflection, if they 
are favoured to scan the motive in the light of 
truth, that it is murder and they must pay the 
penalty. Many try to relieve their consciences 
with the absurd idea, that there is no life, there- 
fore there is no sin committed. But this reflec- 
tion is from the wicked one, who ever was, and 
is, a liar. In the beginning he prevailed with 
our mother Eve to disobey God, and would fain 



THE PATIENT^ FOOD. 87 

seduce the whole human family, if they will 
listen to his arts, his wiles, and his stratagems, 
from the path of virtue, peace, and love, which, 
alone is that of happiness. 

The embryo cannot be considered to be with- 
out life, because, we know it is susceptible of 
growth, but it possesses anima, the prin- 
ciple of life, and when endowed with the 
breath of life it becomes a living soul pos- 
sessed of animation. And many can with a 
grateful heart to God, refer back to the time, 
when their health, hopes and happiness, were 
entirely prostrated by protracted disease (my- 
self is among the number) that after being 
blessed with a well and lovely child, and nurs- 
ing it, the system was renewed and health again 
resumed its sphere of happiness, to cheer us on- 
ward. 

And peradventure this living embryo, if nur- 
tured and suffered to come to maturity, may 
grow up the staff, and the comfort and joy of 
its mother's declining years. 



88 the patient's food. 

And although I have treated on the import- 
ance of maintaining a happy cheerful mind dur- 
ing pregnancy, as essential for their own safe 
getting along ; it is doubly so important for their 
offspring. For, if the mother indulges in a re- 
pining and a sorrowful state of mind during 
pregnancy, it is more than likely the same pas- 
sions will predominate in this innocent offspring. 
This is one way that the sins of parents are vi- 
sited upon their children. Beautiful, and truly 
wonderful are the ways of Providence. And in 
the formation of man, I believe God designed 
he should be happy. But man, poor, weak, 
proud, and selfish being, has sought out many 
inventions, which lead to the destruction of his 
life, as well as his happiness. Dear little ones, 
this would be a solitary world, without children, 
and when well trained, they are the flowers 
among the many thorns, with which our life 
abounds. And to me, it is one of my sweetest 
recollections, to review my life, with my little 
ones in childhood. And when I meet some of 



THE PATIENT'S FOOD. 89 

the sweet innocent faces in the street, my mind 
rises involuntarily for them, that they may be 
preserved in innocence and virtue. 

I shall close these remarks by copying a few 
sentiments contained in Dr. Buchan's Domestic 
Medicine. "No part of medicine is of more 
general importance, than that which relates to 
the nursing and management of children. Few 
parents pay a proper attention to it. They trust 
their tender offspring too much to nurses, who 
are ignorant and careless of their best wants. 
The diseases of children are by no means so 
difficult to be understood as many imagine. It 
is true, they cannot tell their complaints ; but 
the causes of them can be pretty certainly dis- 
covered by carefully observing their symptoms. 
"Besides, the diseases of infants being less com- 
plicated are more easily cured than those of adults. 
It is really astonishing, that so little attention 
should, in general, be paid to the preservation of 
infants ; who might be useful in life, while much 

expense and labor is bestowed on a worn-put 
8 



90 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

carcass that can neither bestow health, or even 
comfort upon the individual." 

For the benefit of parents I transcribe some 
remarks from Dr. J. Witherspoon's valuable let- 
ters on the education of children. 

"The fundamental rules for preserving the 
health of children, are cleanliness, liberty, and 
free air. By cleanliness, I do not mean, keep- 
ing the outside of their clothes in a proper con- 
dition to be seen before company, not hinder- 
ing them from fouling their feet and hands, 
when they are capable of going abroad; but 
their under-clothes, and frequently washing their 
bodies in cold water, and other things of the 
same nature and tendency. The second rule is 
liberty. All persons, young and old, love li- 
berty ; and as far as it does them no harm, it 
will certainly do them good. Many a free born 
subject is kept a slave for the first ten years of 
his life ; and is so much handled and carried 
about by women in his infancy, that the limbs 
and other parts of his body, are frequently mis- 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 91 

shapen, anc 1 . the whole system very much weak- 
ened ; besides, the spirits, when under confine^ 
ment, are generally in a dull and languishing 
state." 

The best exercise in the world for children, is, 
to let them use their limbs, creep about and 
manage their own play-things, paying them no 
more attention, than to prevent their doing them- 
selves an injury, and give them a crust of bread 
to exercise their gums on, instead of candy; 
and as they get able, let them romp and jump 
about, according to their own fancy. This in 
the country is best done in the fields ; in a city 
a well-aired room is better than sending them 
into the streets under the care of a servant ; 
very few of whom are able so far to curb their 
own inclinations, as to let the children follow 
theirs, even, where they may do it with safety. 
As to free air, there is nothing more essentially 
necessary to the strength and growth of animals 
and plants. I have seen a bed of beans in a 
garden, under the shade of a hedge or tree; 



92 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

very long and slender, which brought to my 
mind a young family of quality, trained up in a 
delicate manner, who, if they grow 7 at all, grow 
to length, but never to thickness. So univer- 
sal is this, that I believe the body of a sturdy, 
or well built make, is reckoned among them a 
coarse and vulgar thing. 

There is one thing with regard to servants, 
that I would particularly recommend to your 
attention. All children are liable to accidents, 
these may happen unavoidably ; but they gene- 
rally arise, from the carelessness of their ser- 
vant, to this they are almost always attributed 
by parents. This disposes all servants, good or 
bad, to conceal them from the parents, when 
they can possibly do it. By this means, child- 
ren often receive hurts, in falls or otherwise, 
which if known in time, might be easily reme- 
died, but not being known, either prove fatal, or 
make them lame or deformed. 

A near relation of mine has a high shoulder 
and a distorted waist from this very cause. To 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 93 

prevent such accidents, it is necessary to take 
all possible pains to acquire the confidence of 
domestics to convince them of the importance 
of concealing nothing. 

There are two dispositions in parents, which 
hinder the servants from making discoveries. 
The first is, when they are very passionate, and 
storm and rage against their servants, for every 
real or supposed neglect. Such a person can 
never expect a confession, followed by such a 
terrible vengeance. The other is, when they 
are tender-hearted or timorous to excess, which 
makes them show themselves deeply affected 
or greatly terrified upon every little accident 
that befalls their children. In this case, the 
best of servants are unwilling to tell them 
through fear of making them miserable. 

In such cases therefore, I would advise pa- 
rents, whatever may be their real opinions, to 
discover them as little as possible to their ser- 
vants. Let them still inculcate this maxim, that 
there should be no secrets concerning children, 



94 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

kept from those most nearly interested in them. 
And that there may be no temptation to such 
conduct, let them always appear as cool and com- 
posed as possible, when any discovery is made, 
and be ready to forgive a real fault, in return 
for a candid acknowledgment. 

" Establish as soon as possible, an entire and 
absolute authority." I would have it early, that 
it may be absolute, and that it may not be se- 
vere. If parents are too long in beginning to 
exert their authority, they will find the task ve- 
ry difficult. Children, habituated to indulgence 
for a few of the first years, are exceedingly im- 
patient of restraint, and if they happen to be of 
stiff or obstinate tempers, can hardly be brought 
to an entire, at least to a quiet and placid sub- 
mission ; whereas, if they are taken in time, 
there is hardly any temper but what may be 
made to yield, and by early habit, the subjec- 
tion becomes quite easy to themselves. And it 
is truly astonishing, how soon they detect the 
views of their father and mother, if there is the 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 95 

least dissimilarity between them, respecting 
themselves. Therefore, parents should govern 
themselves, and be united in their views of gov- 
ernment, and one in authority. The father 
should confirm, and strengthen the hands of the 
mother, and in return she ought to endeavor to 
carry out his wishes in all things. But, if there 
is a difference in their views, which they cannot 
reconcile between themselves, do not let it be 
known by your tender offspring, as it will lessen 
the control of both ; their minds are very sus- 
ceptible, and alive to any subterfuge in their 
power for their own benefit. 

For want of reflection, men are so much en- 
grossed with the care of the mighty dollar, that 
young America, almost controls the household 
in many families. But the more complete and 
uniform a parent's authority is, the offences will 
be more rare, punishment will be less needed, 
and the more gentle kind of correction will be 
abundantly sufficient. We see every where about 
us examples of this. A parent that has once 



96 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

obtained, and knows how to preserve authority, 
will do more by a look of displeasure, than an- 
other by the most passionate words, and even 
blows. The parent stung with shame at the 
misbehavior or indiscretion of the child, desires 
to persuade the observers, that it is not his fault, 
and thereby effectually convinces every person 
of reflection that it is. 

I would therefore recommend to every parent 
to begin the establishment of authority much 
more early than is commonly supposed to be 
possible ; that is to say, from about the age of 
eight or nine months. You will perhaps smile 
at this : but I do assure you from experience, 
that by setting about it with prudence, delibera- 
tion and attention, it may be in a manner com- 
pleted by the age of twelve or fourteen months. 

Do not imagine I use the rod at that age, on 
the contrary I mean to prevent the use of it in 
a great measure, and to point out a way, by 
which children of sweet and easy tempers may 
be brought to such a habit of compliance, as to 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 97 

never need correction at all ; and whatever their 
temper may be, so much less of this is sufficient, 
than upon any other supposition. Habits in 
general may be early formed in children. An 
association of ideas is, as it were the parent of 
habit. If then, you can accustom your child- 
ren to perceive that your will must always pre- 
vail over theirs, when they are opposed, the thing 
is done, and they will submit to it, without diffi- 
culty or regret. 

To bring this about, as soon as they begin to 
show their inclination by desire or aversion, let 
single instances be chosen now and then (not 
too frequently) to contradict them. 

" For example, if a child shows a desire to 
have any thing in his hand, that he sees, or has 
any thing in his hand, with which he is delight- 
ed ; let the parent take it from him, and when 
he does so, let no consideration whatever, make 
him restore it at that time. Then at a consider- 
able interval, perhaps a whole day is little enough, 
especially at first, let the same thing be repeat- 



98 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

ed. In the mean time, it must be carefully ob- 
served, that no attempt should be made to con- 
tradict the child in the intervals. Not the least 
appearance of opposition if possible, should be 
found between the will of the parent and that of 
the child, except in those chosen cases, when 
the will of the parent must prevail. I think it 
important that those attempts should always be 
made and repeated at proper intervals by the 
same person. It is also better, it should be done 
by the father than by the mother, or any female at- 
tendant, because they will be obliged in many 
cases, to do things, displeasing to the child, as in 
washing, dressing, &c, &c. But no one must 
show that they condole with the child, or show 
displeasure at its having been crossed ; but on 
the contrary, give every mark of approbation, 
and of their own submission to the same per- 
son. This experiment, frequently repeated, will 
in a little time so perfectly habituate the child 
to yield to the parent whenever he interposes, 
that he will make no opposition." And ever 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 99 

perform your promises with minute exactness 
to all children ; for they have good memories 
and they are right to remember, but we should 
consider and be slow to promise. When cor- 
rection is unavoidable, never suffer yourself to 
undertake it, when in anger, but if done from 
a sense of duty, your child will be more or less 
impressed with your spirit, and more deeply feel 
their error. 

Never make mere play-things of your child- 
ren. Many fathers treat their little ones as if 
nothing was to be sought in their society but 
mutual amusement. And therefore, all is sup- 
posed to be right, though there be little besides 
folly and self-indulgence on one side, and impro- 
per liberties, caprice, self-will, or artifice, on the 
other. He who would preserve his authority 
over his children, should be particularly watch- 
ful of his own conduct. You may as well pre- 
tend to force people to love what is not amiable 
as to reverence what is not respectable. 

Parents should therefore, acquire, as much as 



\ 

100 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

possible a composure of spirit, and meekness of 
language ; nor are there many circumstances, 
that will more recommend religion to children, 
when they see that self-command is the effect 
of principle, and a sense of duty. Humility is 
the very spirit of the Gospel. There is a weak- 
ness I have observed in many parents, to show 
a partial fondness for some of their children, to 
the neglect, and in many cases great injustice 
of others, this ought to claim the most minute 
attention of all parents. 

Does a child, too young to listen to reason, 
want something it ought not to have. Its 
mother will suddenly turn its attention to an- 
other object, and thus prevent the rise of im- 
proper tempers, to arrest them in their course. 
Is it jealous of the attention paid to a brother ? 
w r hile she perseveres, perhaps in showing to the 
brother the kindness which has raised this jea- 
lousy, she will pour such a stream of affection 
on both the children as shall at once show them 
how much each is the object of her love, and 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 101 

lead them by sympathy to feel a similar love for 
each other. 

If a mother devotes much time to her child- 
ren^ she can then become intimately acquainted 
with their different traits of disposition, and can 
treat them, as she in her best wisdom may think 
proper. " For wisdom is profitable to direct in 
all things." But more especially in the train- 
ing of the immortal mind. 

" There is no object more important in itself, 
so standing connected with a greater number of 
interesting considerations, than the proper edu- 
cation of youth. By proper education I mean 
the union of correct and upright example, with 
reasonable, prudent and firm discipline, com- 
bined with the exercise of those means, calculat- 
ed to open the views of the mind — to give pro- 
per excitement to idea, afford correct stimulus, 
direction, and object to pursuit, — energy and 
effect to application and perseverance, and, by 
every possible means, to communicate a vigor- 
ous and healthful tone to the general powers of 



102 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

intellect. An education of this kind, under the 
opening influences of religious principle, could 
hardly fail to be productive of salutary and be- 
neficial effects, salutary and beneficial to the 
child or pupil, salutary and beneficial to the pa- 
rent or preceptor, salutary and beneficial in re- 
lation to the interests of particular and general 
society. This threefold view of the advantages 
of a proper education, I hope will appear of suf- 
ficient importance to claim the particular atten- 
tion of every parent and preceptor, nor be 
deemed by any inconsistent with the nature or 
progress of true religion. To enlighten the 
human mind, to correct its errors, to ameliorate 
its moral nature, to improve, qualify, and sanc- 
tify its intellectual powers for celestial enjoyment, 
are objects which stand firmly and unalterably 
embraced in the nature of the gospel design. 
Next to the influence and agency of the spirit 
itself, whose office it is to enlighten, rectify and 
redeem the mind of man, what can be more pro- 
motive of the attainment of these objects, than 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 103 

the extension and reception of a proper educa- 
tion — an education addressed to the reasonable 
principles in our nature — illustrated by -correct 
and upright example — confirmed and rendered 
effectual by the benign operation of religious 
principle. May we not reasonably hope a Di- 
vine blessing will attend our endeavors in these 
respects, enabling those who sow, and those who 
reap, to rejoice together — to rejoice in the con- 
scious discharge of mutual duty — to rejoice in 
the mutual reception of that cordial sympathy, 
which will always more or less cover the minds 
harmoniously engaged to promote the interests 
of truth. 

"In turning our attention to the advantages of 
a proper education to the child or pupil, we may 
remember a testimony left on record by wisdom 
itself, extended through a mind particularly con- 
versant with the theory, operation, and action 
of the human faculties." a Train up a child in 
the way he should go, and when he is old, he 
will not depart from it." 



104 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

So great is the power of habit, grounded on 
early impressions in the human mind, that they 
seldom or never become wholly obliterated, when 
those impressions are good. And what a fear- 
ful result, we may anticipate from the opposites. 
There is reason to believe, that virtuous habits, 
founded on early impressions, have often long 
restrained individuals from the paths of impro- 
priety and irregularity, even after the obliga- 
tions of religion had become relaxed on the 
mind. There is little doubt, even after virtuous 
impressions and habits have become consider- 
ably effaced, they have yet operated as the means 
of recalling the deviating footsteps of many an 
unhappy wanderer. Allured by the soft blan- 
dishments of sense, by the deceptive appearances 
of things, many a virtuous youth has been over- 
taken and led in the pursuit of idle or dissi- 
pated pleasures : the dark cloud of vice has 
been ready to gather around, and cover him for- 
ever from the radiance of virtue, when lo ! in 
the calm of solitude his recollective powers have 



t 

EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 105 

been aroused, he hath remembered the days of 
other years — remembered the purity, innocence, 
tenderness of other years, and the softness of 
former feelings ; — he hath contrasted, his past, 
with his present situation, and being met with 
as in a narrow place, the convicting evidences 
of truth have shone with irresistible power in 
his understanding and subjected his will — the 
tear of contrition has relieved his swelling bos- 
om and aching heart; his intellectual powers and 
moral nature have yielded to the renovating in- 
fluence of religious principle; to virtue and piety 
he has dedicated the remainder of his days. If 
we could penetrate or uplift the veil that covers 
the wide spread ranges of human society, we 
might see a numerous train of individuals pro- 
gressing in some one or other of these stages, of 
this representation, so varied and extensive are 
the means capable of acting on the human mind, 
or standing as a medium through which Divine 
goodness may possibly act. Thus the conscien- 
tious parents and preceptor's care and labors are 



I 
106 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 

often like bread cast upon the waters, found af- 
ter many days. 






DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR OR MIDWIFE. 
\_From Dr. Beach's American Practice.'] 

Every thing being thus adjusted, very little 
more will be necessary, but to wait patiently the 
efforts and operations of nature. There should 
be but few attendants in the room, and these are 
not to whisper to each other, or express any 
fears or doubts. 

When the pains become very severe, quickly 
succeeding each other, the midwife, who offi- 
ciates, may sit by the side of the woman, and 
upon every severe pain, may keep her hands 
upon the parts even though no manner of as- 
sistance can be afforded, and occasionally, when 
the head of the child presses hard, it may be 
gently touched or pressed with the longest fin- 
ger, in order to ascertain the part that presents, 
the progress of labor, as well as to be able to 
give from time to time suitable encouragement : 



DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 107 

not only so, in the last stage of labor the hand 
may be kept near the parts, to know the mo- 
ment when the head of the child presents, as 
some little assistance at this time is called for ; 
not by supporting the perineum, as some ad- 
vise, but, 

First. To remove any obstruction which of- 
ten arises from the clothes. 

Second. To support the child in its passage, 
and in the intervals of pains, and to keep the 
head from pitching downward, and thus obstruct- 
ing the labor. 

Third. To detach the umbilical cord or na- 
vel-string from the neck when it encircles it, as 
is often the case, and which endangers the life 
of the child. 

Fourth. To deliver the woman in case of 
haemorrhage or great flooding ; but at the same 
time there must be no further interference of 
art ; little or nothing can be done toward the 
delivery of the child, except when a large bag 
or collection of water presents and appears, 



108 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 

when it may be ruptured with the longest finger, 
which often affords much aid ; although such is 
the ignorance and credulity of some women, that 
they suppose almost every thing to be accom- 
plished by art. Physicians or midwives who 
watch only the progress of labor and do little 
or nothing, are, by some pronounced inhuman 
and cruel, and ignorant, because they are honest 
in not interfering with the simple and beautiful 
process of labor, or in other words, for relying 
upon the great resources of nature, but such is 
the fashion and credulity of womankind, that 
physicians are obliged to take the advantage of 
such ignorance and credulity, and regulate their 
proceedings accordingly. 

I have often been obliged to stand by for 
hours over a woman, under pretense of aiding 
delivery, when, in reality, I did nothing at all. 
The labor would have progressed just as well 
had I been out of the room ; but this deception 
I had to practice, in order to satisfy ignorant, 
gossiping, or crying attendants. 



DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 109 

When the woman is disposed to make much 
noise, she should be directed to hold her breath 
during the pains, and aid or assist them by 
pressing downward as much as possible. The 
feet may press against the hed-post, and the 
woman take hold of a handkerchief and pull when 
a pain occurs, or she may grasp the hand of an 
assistant for that purpose. Sometimes from 
various causes, labor is very much retarded, 
from the rigidity of the parts, the situation of 
the child, debility, &c, when this occurs, and 
labor is tedious and protracted, our reliance 
must still be upon the powers of nature. We 
may, however, aid her efforts, by warm fomen- 
tations of herbs, often applied to the lower part 
of the abdomen, which, will prove relaxing, and 
will facilitate the labor, warm diluent drinks may 
also be given such as tansy, pennyroyal, &c. 

If the labor still continues stationary, we 
have nothing to fear provided there is a right 
presentation; but should the pains become 
feeble or lessened from flooding, debility, or any 



110 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 

cause, or should they prove unavoidable after a 
reasonable length of time, a drachm of ergot or 
spurred rye, may be put into a tea-cup, and a 
gill of boiling water poured upon it, and when 
cool, a tablespoonful given every fifteen minutes. 
This will increase the pains, and speedily accom- 
plish a delivery, but it should be very seldom, 
or never used, except when there is a right pre- 
sentation, and under the most urgent circum- 
stances. 

It is prudent, by judicious prevention and 
care, to remove obstructions, prevent accidents, 
by holding or supporting the child in a proper 
position, and giving such aid as reason and 
judgment will dictate. Receiving the child, pre- 
venting its fall, securing the navel-cord, assist- 
ing in the removal and disposal of the after- 
birth, are objects, which are to be accomplished, 
and all, in the most calm and simple manner ; 
no hurry or excitement is necessary, but on the 
contrary, they embarrass. 

Yet, how common is it, that females in gen- 



DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. Ill 

eral, married and unmarried, are so stupid and 
ignorant, that instead of attending to those du- 
ties, if necessary, or in case of emergency, they 
are thrown into the greatest consternation, and 
perhaps run out of the room and let the child 
suffocate by the bed-clothes, or by the navel-cord 
twisted around the neck, and die merely for 
want of a little common sense and knowledge, 
which might be acquired in an hour. 

Is it not disgraceful, if not highly criminal, 
that persons can and do, attend to these duties 
towards their stock, and yet remain entirely ig- 
norant of them toward their nearest relations. 
Young women are taught music, dancing, 
drawing, and needle-work, and many ornamen- 
tal branches considered so essential to a polite 
education ; yet they are suffered to remain en- 
tirely ignorant on a subject of so much vital 
importance. 

Is there any hope or prospect of enlightening 
this generation, or must it be delayed till the 
next, and have them look back with amazement 



112 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 

at our ignorance. I hope, there is something 
yet redeeming in a large proportion of the com- 
munity, that the people will yet awake to their 
own interests. 

When the head is delivered, all that is neces- 
sary to be done, is, to support it, and to wait for 
the pains to expel the child, except it seem livid, 
and in danger of injury, or the cord he 
twisted around the neck, then assistance must 
be rendered, to accomplish the delivery. The 
face of the child must now be turned upward, 
and the cord freed from the neck or body ; the 
person who assists will pass a narrow piece of 
cord around the cord or navel-string, about an 
inch from the body, and tie as tight as it can 
be drawn, otherwise hemorrhage or bleeding will 
take place, another must be tied at a little dis- 
tance from it above, and the navel-string be sep- 
arated between them with a pair of scissors. 

The child is then to be given to the nurse, to 
be washed and dressed. The mother must now 
be covered and directed to lie quiet. 



DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 113 

The after-birth — The after-birth or placenta 
must be detached or removed if nature does not 
accomplish it in a short time. Generally, after 
about twenty or thirty minutes, a pain is felt, 
which may be sufficient to expel it ; if it should 
not, and should there be no pain, gentle, man- 
ual attempts may be made to remove it. 

The head and breast may be elevated, and the 
cord taken hold of by the left hand : the two 
first fingers may be carefully introduced into 
the vagina, and the anterior or forepart of the 
placenta or after-birth held in this situation for 
some minutes, in order to excite a contraction 
of the uterus. 

The woman may now be directed to hold her 
breath and press down, which forces it forward, 
and at the same time a little extension is made 
upon the cord with the left hand, while exten- 
sion may be made upon the after-birth with the 
right, this will almost invariably extract it in a 
few minutes. If from any cause it should not, 

no further attempt must be made for the pre- 
10 



114 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 

sent, but left for a few hours, when, if the natu- 
ral contractions of the uterus do not remove it, 
it must be done in the manner recommended, 
with this difference, that a little more force be 
used. 

In the interval, however, every thing wet 
must be removed. All of the subsequent treat- 
ment is found on the fifteenth page of this work 
which is important to observe, and I consider 
the safety of the patient greatly depends upon 
this treatment and care. 

"Preternatural labor , or cross-births" are 
those in which, some other part than the head 
presents. We cannot in general, assign any 
reason for such occurrences, nor can the woman, 
by any sensation of her own, be assured that 
the presentation is unusual. Apprehensions of 
this kind, should not be indulged in. If the 
feet or breech present, the delivery is to be ac- 
complished by properly accommodating the po- 
sition of the child to the capacity of the pelvis, 
but no force should be employed, and though 



DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 115 

there is always some risk to the life of the in- 
fant, yet there is none to the mother. If the 
arm, shoulder, or sides of the child present, the 
delivery is not impossible, but difficult until the 
infant be turned and the feet brought down into 
the passage. 

This is an operation, which may be done with 
comparative ease and safety, if the wrong posi- 
tion of the infant be discovered before the wa- 
ters are discharged, but otherwise, both mother 
and child are in considerable danger; though 
there is often a spontaneous evolution, and deli- 
very is affected. The womb closely contracting 
around the body of the infant after the water is 
drained away, and being soft and spongy in its 
texture, it is liable to be torn if much force be 
employed, and then the child may either escape 
into the cavity of the abdomen, or, if it be ex- 
tracted by the feet, blood may be effused from 
the womb into that cavity, and such injury be 
done as to prove fatal. Women too frequently 
add to the- danger of the operation of turning, 



116 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY; 

by their restlessness or impatience, they should 
remember how much is at stake, and exert all 
of their fortitude, so as not to embarrass the 
practitioner. 

The labor having been thus accomplished, it 
will be necessary to guard against any subse- 
quent symptoms which may occur or take place- 
In tedious and very difficult labors, and where 
common physicians use the lancet, the hot bath 
will be found of extraordinary benefit in facilitat- 
ing labor, by relaxing the system without de- 
bility, altogether better than bleeding. First 
apply spirits, water, and salt to the head ; then 
let the woman remain in the bath about fifteen 
minutes." 



TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 

After-pains. — Soon after delivery these usu- 
ally come on, and with some women are remark- 
ably severe. The quicker the labor has been, 
the slighter will they prove in general. Women 
with their first child are seldom troubled with 



TREATMEOT AFTER DELIVERY. 117 

after-pains, but as the uterus is thought to con- 
tract less readily after each future labor, so they 
are more liable to suffer from them in any suc- 
ceeding delivery than in the first. 

When after-pains prove so troublesome as to 
deprive the patient of her rest, it will be necessa- 
ry to have recourse to fomentations or anodynes, 
red pepper and spirits, simmered together a 
few minutes, and flannels dipped in it and applied 
to the abdomen, will generally relieve them, if 
it fails apply a fomentation of bitter herbs, and 
give two tea-spoonfuls of the tincture of hops in 
milk or tea. If this fail, which I never knew, 
give half a tea-spoonful of capsicum in milk. 
These remedies are to be assisted by keeping 
up a sufficient pressure on the bowels, at the 
same time, by means of the broad bandage. 

Costiveness. — Costiveness is apt to prevail af- 
ter delivery, and should always be removed by 
a laxative clyster or some gentle purgative, such 
as senna and manna, or about an ounce of cas- 



118 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 

tor oil. The anti-dyspeptic pills are also excel- 
lent. 

Flooding or Lochia. — After delivery there is 
a flow of blood from the womb, and sometimes 
it is excessive. When this is the case, apply 
vinegar, spirits and water to the lower part of 
the bowels, and give some astringent, as a cold 
tea of flea-bane, birth-root &c, a little salt and 
water is good. 

Milk Fever. — From cold, or other causes, the 
milk becomes obstructed and the breasts are 
hard, swelled and painful, attended with fever 
nausea, pain in the head and back, with thirst. 

Treatment — Apply the child to the breast as 
early as possible, and, if necessary from any 
cause, let the milk be drawn two or three times 
a day. If there is too much milk, use a spare 
diofc, no animal food, and avoid liquids as much 
as possible. The breasts may be gently bathed 
with the bitter-sweet ointment or with the soap 
liniment. Keep the bowels regular. A little 



TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 119 

physic may be required. Have the room well 
ventilated, but free from dampness. 

Milk or stvelled leg. — A short time after de- 
livery this disease sometimes appears. It usually 
attacks one leg, and may extend to the other, 
and the whole system may become affected. The 
limb appears firm, glossy, swollen and painful. 
The attack is generally preceded by a chill, 
succeeded by fever, the limb is stiff, heavy, and 
is irritated by motion, is tender, the skin is not 
discolored, but has an increase of heat. After 
a period of about two weeks these symptoms 
subside leaving the limb stiff, benumbed, heavy 
and weak, and is very liable to remain more or 
less so for a great length of time. It may arise 
from a suppression of the lochial discharge, or 
the milk, or from cold. 

Treatment — Give occasionally a cathartic, 
and promote a moisture of the skin. Foment 
the limb with clothes immersed in a strong de- 
coction of hops, and repeat two or three times 
a day. It may also be steamed over bitter herbs, 



120 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 

and a bandage applied and kept wet with the de- 
coction. If hot applications aggravate it, keep 
the limb wet with stramonium leaves, simmered 
in spirits, and applied cool. If obstinate, ley 
water may be used in the same manner, like- 
wise salt and water, and the whole limb may be 
anointed with bitter-sweet or mullein ointments. 
But if the limb will bear hot applications a 
poultice of soft soap thickened with indian meal, 
in quantity sufficient to envelope the whole limb 
in, has been very efficacious in that disease. 

Falling or projection of the womb. — This hap- 
pens to women after confinement ; and others, 
either partially or wholly. The womb descends 
into the vagina and sometimes protrudes entire- 
ly out, which causes much distress, pains in the 
back, groin, bearing down, with great weakness, 
and nervous symptoms. It arises from various 
causes, as over-exertion, straining, lifting, or 
any violent exercise. The ligaments that secure 
the womb to the body become relaxed, which 
permits it to fall down. 



TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 121 

Treatment — A broad bandage should be worn 
over the lower part of the bowels and drawn 
moderately tight, a strengthening plaster applied 
fco the back, the restorative wine bitters used, 
the bowels kept regular, and the surrounding 
parts bathed twice a day with salt and water. 

A decoction of oak bark, to which add a little 
alum, may be injected into the womb or vagina, 
once or twice a day. If this does not restore, 
make a tincture of. 

1 ounce of cardamom seed, 

1 do coriander, 

1 do rhubarb, 

1 do chamomile flowers, 

i do the filings of steel, 
pulverize fine, and add one quart of the best 
brandy, digest in a warm place, and shake dai- 
ly, until an oil rises. Then take a tea-spoonful 
in sweetened water, the same quantity on an 
empty stomach, until recovered. 

This tincture has been very efficacious in ma- 
ny cases of this kind, and in debilitated cases 
11 



122 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 

about the turn of life in females it has been 
found useful For that I would add 1 ounce of 
castor oil. 

There are several kinds of abdominal sup- 
porters invented to take off the weight and ten- 
sion from the womb, which may prove very ser- 
viceable. These can easily be made, or one can 
be purchased already made. 

Where the womb protrudes, it ought to be 
replaced by laying the woman in a recumbent 
position, applying the fingers and thumb to the 
lower part of the tumor, and then by a gradual 
and gentle pressure, carried upward into its 
centre, and continued until the parts are re- 
turned to their natural place. This being effect- 
ed, a proper-sized sponge is to be introduced, 
and the woman kept in a recumbent position 
for several hours. A sponge ought to be intro- 
duced as high up the vagina, as can easily be 
borne, and it must occasionally be removed and 
well cleansed. As the parts recover their proper 



TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 123 

strength and tone, one somewhat of a smaller 
size should be substituted. 

The same bandage may be worn as recom- 
mended under the head of fistula. 

Inflammation of the tvo?nb. — This disease 
sometimes takes place. For symptoms and 
treatment I refer the reader to it under inflam- 
matory complaints. 

Sore and Excoriated Nipples. — This com- 
plaint often happens, and is very distressing. 
Wash the parts with a little borax water ; also 
with a tincture of the balm of Gilead buds. The 
celandine, and mullein ointments are very good ; 
after applying one or more of them, cover the 
parts with slippery elm bark, mixed with cream 
or milk. 

This course will in general cure. Should it 
fail, anoint the nipples and excoriated parts with 
the oil of eggs. This cured one very bad case, 
when some of the above applications failed. 

The oil is secured by boiling the egg hard, 
and pressing it out between two pewter plates. 



124 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 

DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 

Still-Born Infants. — This occurs from diffi- 
cult labors, or the cord encircling the neck ; or 
a membrane may cover the head or body. 

I once attended a woman who was delivered 
of a child that had a singular appearance when 
it was born, and I was at a loss for a few seconds 
to account for it v I discovered that a thin mem- 
brane covered nearly the whole body, and pre- 
vented the child from breathing. I immediately 
removed it, and brought it home, and laid it 
aside to keep. But from a superstitious notion 
that the child would possess a "second sight," or 
see into futurity, some females, I believe, hearing 
the circumstance, destroyed it. 

When any thing of the kind occurs, the mem- 
brane should be immediately removed. If no 
signs of life appear, the infant may be put into 
a warm bath, and the mouth and body wiped 
dry. A little cold water may be dashed in the 
face, the lungs inflated by some person, and a 



DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 125 

slight motion made upon the chest in imitation 
of breathing. The navel-string may be permit- 
ted to bleed a little. I attended a woman whose 
child was still-born in consequence of having 
been in labor for a long time, locked in the pas- 
sage with the face upward. The pains were 
terrible. The head and face were bruised and 
swollen, and I supposed it dead; but after a 
time it gasped, and finally recovered. 

Retention of the Meconium. — The bowels of 
infants, at the time of their birth, are filled with 
a blackish colored and viscid matter of the con- 
sistency of syrup, known by the name of meco- 
nium. 

The efforts of nature are in general sufficient 
to dislodge and carry it off, if assisted by the 
mother's milk, which is at first of a laxative qua- 
lity ; therefore infants should be applied to the 
breast as soon as they show an inclination to 
suck. 

Should it be retained, or not sufficiently car- 
ried off, a tea-spoonful of castor or sweet oil, 



126 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 

may be given, particularly if the secretion of 
milk in the mother's breast is rather tardy. 

Acidity, Flatulency and Gripes. — From vari- 
ous causes the infant is sometimes afflicted with 
these complaints. They arise generally from 
impure milk from the mother ; when this is the 
case, the mother should take the neutralizing 
mixture ; and if it does not relieve, give some 
to the infant. The bowels may likewise be 
bathed with warm spirits of brandy, to which a 
little salt must be added. The mother should 
be careful about diet and avoid taking cold, both 
of which affect the child. Catnip and soot teas 
are good ; also Calamus. 

Looseness or Purging. — This is soon removed 
by giving both the child and mother a little of 
the neutralizing mixture. 

Teething or Dentition. — A great many chil- 
dern are taken off, from teething. It causes 
heat and pain in the head, restlessness, and fever, 
and the gums are swollen and painful, it often 
occasions fits. 



DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 127 

Treatment — In extreme cases, the gums may 
be scarified. A little physic may be adminis- 
tered every other day : the feet often bathed ; 
also the head with spirits ; the warm bath is 
excellent. If the child cannot sleep, give a few 
of the diaphoretic powders. "A crust of bread/' 
says a writer, is the best gum-stick. A strength- 
ening plaster may be put between the shoulders. 

Galling and Excoriation. — Young children 
are very apt to become excoriated in particular 
parts of the body, especially about the groins, 
wrinkles of the neck, behind the ears, and un- 
der the arms, such places being kept much 
moistened by urine or sweat. 

These complaints are troublesome, and annoy 
them exceedingly; and are in some measure 
owing to a want of due cleanliness in the mother 
or nurse. To prevent and likewise to remove 
them when they do occur, it will be necessary 
to wash the parts well with cold water once or 
twice a day, and wipe dry ; to change the clothes 
often, and keep the child perfectly clean. After 



128 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 

the child is washed and dried, the parts affected 
may be sprinkled with a little fine elm bark. 
When the excoriation is considerable, the parts 
after having been washed with cold water, may 
be anointed with celandine, elder, or mullein 
ointment. 

Aphtha, Thrush or Canker. — Infants and chil- 
dren are often affected with little sore spots or 
eruptions about the mouth ; the disease usu- 
ally extends from the stomach to the end of 
the bowels, giving rise to many painful and un- 
pleasant symptoms. 

This complaint arises from a morbid state of 
the stomach, and must be treated by giving a 
gentle neutralizing physic, such as mentioned of 
the above medicine. The mouth may be often 
washed with a decoction of sage, gold thread, 
and hyssop, sweeten with honey; a little fine 
borax may be added. 

Says a physician, "among the vegetable pro- 
ductions of our country, perhaps none excel the 
wake-robin, or wild turnip finely pulverized, and 



DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 129 

rubbed into a paste with a little honey, which 
should be placed in small quantities on the in- 
fant's tongue ; often repeated, to have it spread 
through the mouth." 

Convulsions. — When fits or convulsions arise 
from teething, or any other cause, the feet must 
be immediately bathed in warm ley water, and 
an anodyne be administered, such as the syrup 
of poppy or paregoric. 

Garlic should be bruised, and applied to the 
stomach ; and if there is heat of the head, spir- 
its, rain water, and vinegar, may be applied. 
These means must be repeated as often as the 
fits occur : in obstinate cases, it may be neces- 
sary to use a warm bath. 

Soreness or Excoriation of the Umbilical 
Cord. — About the time the navel-string separates, 
there is sometimes soreness and inflammation ; 
for such symptoms, sprinkle with a powder of 
slippery elm bark, and apply the black salve ; 
also the brown ointment. 

Rupture {Hernia) — Sometimes, from crying 



130 DISEASES OF CHILDKEN. 

or other causes, infants are afflicted with rup- 
tures ; when this happens the earliest attention is 
required. The infant or child should be placed in 
a recumbent position, or on its back ; then press 
the tumor or protruded part back, make a com- 
press of linen, which has been previously wetted in 
a decoction of oak bark ; apply it over the rup- 
ture and secure it by a bandage. If this fails 
to keep it in its place, apply a truss. 

Tongue Tied. — Sometimes thefrsenum of the 
tongue is so contracted that the child cannot 
nurse or suck. When this occurs, and only 
then, there must be a very slight incision made 
with a pair of scissors or lancet. 

The cut must be small and superficial, lest a 
blood vessel be wounded. If the child can nurse, 
this practice must never be resorted to. In al- 
most every case, this is an imaginary complaint ; 
and when a parent (or parents,) insists upon its 
being done from a mistaken notion, the back of 
the lancet may be used, and this will satisfy 
them. 



DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 131 

Imperforated Vagina. — Sometimes a thin 
membrane forms across the mouth of the vagina, 
which partially or wholly closes it. This is very 
easily divided by a lancet or pair of scissors. 
I have had but one case of the kind. 

Club, Crooked, or Deformed Feet — When 
children are born with this deformity, an intel- 
ligent person informs me that a certain practi- 
tioner is always in the habit of immediately turn- 
ing them at birth into a right position, and secu- 
ring them with proper splints and bandages. 
This he says, always obviates the deformity. 

Choking. — Infants often become choked by 
getting various substances into their mouth 
and throat. When this accident occurs, let the 
child be placed upon the lap of the mother or 
nurse, and its face turned downwards, while it is 
gently struck a few times on the back between 
the shoulders ; if this does not remove it imme- 
diately, let the fore-finger be introduced and ex- 
tract it ; should this fail give a mild emetic. 

Snuffles or Difficulty of Breathing. — Infants, 



132 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 

from cold, are often troubled to nurse ; anoint 
their nose and forehead with sweet oil, also the 
bottoms of their feet, and heat them ; or bathe 
them in pretty warm water, in which has been 
dissolved a little soda. It will soon relieve them. 

Diet — If the mother has enough milk, 
the child will need little or no food for the third 
or fourth month. It will then be proper to give 
it a little of some food that is easy of digestion, 
once or twice a day ; this will ease the mother, 
and will accustom the child by degrees to take 
food, and will render the weaning both less diffi- 
cult and less dangerous. 

All great and sudden transitions are to be 
avoided in nursing ; for this purpose the food 
of children ought not only to be simple, but to 
resemble as nearly as possible the properties of 
milk ; indeed if milk of a pure quality can be 
obtained, it should form a principal part of their 
food, not only before they are weaned, but for 
some time after, if it agrees with them ; some 
children cannot digest it. 



DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 133 

Next to milk, we would recommend good 
bread, which may be given a child as soon as it 
shows an inclination to chew ; and it may at all 
times be allowed as much as it will eat. The 
very chewing of bread will promote the cutting 
of the teeth and the discharge of saliva ; while, 
by mixing with the nurse's milk in the stomach, 
it will afford an excellent nourishment. 

Many are in the habit of pouring down vari- 
ous liquids and mixtures made of rich substan- 
ces, and so much sweetened that the tender or- 
gans of digestion are impaired, and acidity, and 
bowel diseases follow; articles of this nature should 
be avoided: no food should be given, except the 
milk of the mother, unless absolutely necessary ; 
nature has designed this liquid exclusively for 
the nourishment of the infant, and indeed I may 
say for children. 

Weaning. — Diet for infants after weaning may 
be pure milk, 2 parts milk, 1 part water slightly 
sweetened; this approaches the nearest to the 
nature of the mother's milk, and therefore is 



134 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 

more suitable than any preparation of milk and 
flour, or any other that can be given. A child, 
as a general rule, one year old ought to be 
weaned, and the appearance of the teeth shows 
the propriety of giving food a little more sub- 
stantial than milk. Bread a day old, mixed 
with milk, may be given in connection with nur- 
sing. Gruel, arrow-root, bread, &c. 

One of the most pernicious habits in which 
children can be indulged, is that of almost inces- 
sant eating. 

Children should never eat between meals ; but 
if allowed to eat anything, it should simply be 
a piece of dry bread between meals ; and then 
they will enjoy their meals. Many mothers 
encourage it, from the facility with which for a 
time, the offer of "something nice," procures 
peace. Even from infancy, the child ought to 
be gradually accustomed to eat only when hun- 
gry, and when food is really required. After 
two years of age an interval of four hours be- 
tween meals, will hardly be more than enough j 



DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 135 

and to give biscuit, fruit, or bread in the mean- 
time, is just subtracting from the digestive pow- 
ers of the stomach. Like almost every organ 
of the body, the stomach requires a period of 
repose after the labor of digestion ; and accord- 
ingly in the healthy state, the sensation of appe- 
tite never returns till it has been for some time 
empty. To give food sooner therefore, is ana- 
logous to making a weary traveler walk on with- 
out the refreshment of a rest. 

When we reflect that the object of digestion 
is to furnish materials for the growth of the body, 
and to supply the waste which the system is con- 
stantly undergoing, it must appear self-evident 
that, if the digestive powers be impaired by dis- 
ease, by improper quantity or quality of food, 
or by any other cause, the result must necessa- 
rily be the formation of an imperfect chyle, and 
consequently of imperfect blood. The elements 
of the blood are derived from the chyle, and if 
it be vitiated, the blood also must suffer ; if the 
blood be diseased, so must necessarily be all the 



136 RECIPES. 

organs which it supplies ; and if the body be 
thus debilitated, can any wonder be felt that it 
should no longer be able to resist the action of 
offending causes which full health alone can with- 
stand. 

Clothing. — Infants and children are often in- 
jured by improper clothing. They should be 
kept just comfortably warm, and they often suf- 
fer with cold feet, when they appear otherwise 
warm ; then they are liable to colic, but mod- 
eration should be observed, and a due regard 
paid to that which is sufficient to render them 
comfortable. 



RECIPES FOR THE SICK. 

White Wine Whey. — Take two pints of new 
milk, one pint of water, white wine, 1 gill. Put 
the milk into a well tinned, or porcelain lined 
sauce-pan, with the water, and over a clear 
fire ; and when it begins to boil throw in the 
wine. Boil it about fifteen minutes, during 
which time as the curd or cheesy part collects, 



RECIPES. 137 

take it off with a spoon, and if the whey is not 
clarified enough with this quantity of wine, add 
a spoonful or two more ; then boil it a little 
longer and skim it, by which means it will be- 
come sufficiently fine ; and then it may be poured 
into a bowl for use. Or it may be clarified thus; 
beat the white of an egg, let the whey cool, mix 
them together ; boil them for a minute or two, 
and then strain off the whey through a fine sieve 
or cloth. 

Vinegar Whey. — Is made in the same man- 
ner as the wine whey, using vinegar instead of 
wine. 

Treacle Posset — Take one pint of milk, and 
put it into a stew pan upon coals till it begins to 
boil ; then add two or three table-spoonfuls of 
treacle or molasses, stirring the milk as it is 
poured in. When mixed, it is fit for use. 
. Lemonade. — Take of the outer rind of fresh 
lemon peel, about one drachm ; lemon juice, one 
ounce ; double refined sugar, two ounces ; boil- 
ing water, a pint and a half. When they have 
12 



138 RECIPES. 

stood in a stone or porcelain bowl about ten 
minutes, strain off the liquor. 

Orangeade. — Take of the fresh outer rind of 
Seville orange, one drachm ; orange juice, two 
and a half spoonfuls ; double refined sugar, one 
ounce and about three quarters, or enough to 
make it of an agreeable sweetness ; boiling water 
one quart. When they have stood in a white 
stone, or porcelain vessel about ten minutes, 
strain off the liquor. 

The Imperial Drink. — Take of cream of tar- 
tar, one drachm ; the outer rind of fresh lemon 
or orange peel, half a drachm ; loaf sugar, one 
ounce; boiling water two pints. When they 
have stood in a white stone or porcelain vessel 
about ten minutes, strain off the liquor. 

Oxy crate. — Take of white wine vinegar, four 
table spoonfuls; virgin honey, an ounce and a 
half; spring water, one quart. Mix them to- 
gether in a white stone or porcelain vessel. 

If honey disagrees with the patient, this drink 
may be sweetened with loaf sugar. 



RECIPES. 139 

The Vulnerary Brink — Take of ground-ivy, 
catsfoot, licorice, each one ounce; elecampane 
half an ounce. Boil them in .two quarts and a 
half pint of water, to four pints, and then strain 
off the liquor. 

The Pectoral Drink — Take of common barley 
and raisins stoned, each two ounces; licorice 
root, half an ounce ; water two quarts. Boil 
the water first with the barley, then add the rai- 
sins, and afterwards near the latter end of the 
boiling, the licorice. The decoction then will be 
fully completed, when one quart only of the 
liquor will be left after straining. 

Linseed, or Flax-Seed Tea. — Take of the 
whole linseed, one ounce ; double refined sugar, 
one ounce and a half; lemon juice two ounces, 
boiling water, two pints. Infuse them in a stone 
or porcelain vessel for some hours, and then 
strain off the liquor. 

An ounce of licorice shaved, may sometimes 
be used instead of the sugar. 

Barley Water. — Take of the barley, two oun- 



140 RECIPES. 

ces ; wash it well in cold water ; then add half a 
pint, and boil it fifteen minutes, this water will 
be colored ; drain it off, and add two quarts of 
boiling water ; boil the half of this away, and 
then strain off the liquor for use. 

Water Gruel — Take of oatmeal two table- 
spoonfuls ; water one quart ; boil the water in 
a nice stew pan, and mix up the oatmeal with a 
little milk or water ; add a little salt, and stir 
it into the boiling water ; boil twenty minutes, 
stirring it often to prevent its burning. 

When approved with sweetening, a handful of 
raisins stoned, or if without stones, cut open, 
added to the water, and boiled ten or fifteen 
minutes before adding the oatmeal, is an im- 
provement. 

Or take of oatmeal grits, two handsful ; water 
three quarts ; boil it until only two quarts re- 
main, then strain off the liquor, and season it to 
the taste, with salt, sugar, and nutmeg. 

Rice GrueL — 2 oz. of ground rice ; 2 quarts 



RECIPES. 141 

of water ; ioz of cinnamon ; sugar of roses or 
syrup of quince. 

Put three pints and a half of the water into 
a nice stew-pan, and set it over a clear fire ; stir 
up the rice with the remaining water, and when 
the water boils stir it in ; boil them an hour then 
add the cinnamon ; after boiling up, strain the 
gruel through a sieve, and add of double refined 
sugar, (sugar of roses or syrup of quinces,) 
enough to make it agreeable to the taste of the 
patient. When this is used as a meal, take half 
the quantity of water and cinnamon. 

Rice Milk. — Take two cupfuls of rice, picked 
and washed nicely : put it in a stew-pan with 
one pint of water ; boil it for half an hour, then 
add a quart of new milk ; let it simmer over a 
slow fire till it is sufficiently done, then add to 
it a little sugar and nutmeg. 

Panada. — Put a Boston cracker into a pint 
china bowl, with some crushed sugar, a little nut- • 
meg if liked, and nearly fill the bowl with boil- 
ing water ; cover it close with a plate, let it stand 



142 RECIPES. 

fifteen minutes, and serve with a napkin on the 
waiter, and the plate under the bowl. Also with 
a napkin for the use of the patient. 

Bread Panada. — Take of bread, one ounce ; 
mace one blade ; water, one pint. Boil them 
without stirring, till they mix and turn smooth, 
then add a little grated nutmeg, a small piece 
of butter and sugar, enough to make the mix- 
ture agreeable. When butter is not approved 
of, wine may be used in its stead. 

Sago. — Take of sago one large spoonful ; water 
three quarters of a pint. Boil them gently, stir- 
ring often, till the mixture is smooth and thick; 
then add two tablespoonfuls of wine, a little nut- 
meg, and sweeten it to the taste. 

Arrow Root — Take of the powder, a large 
teaspoonful; mix it with a gill of milk, and 
pour the mixture, (after adding a little salt) into 
a pint of boiling water; stirring it in until 
smooth, w r hen it will be fit for use; sweeten 
with loaf sugar ; it is a restorative in bow r el com- 
plaint, and nourishing aliment for children. 



RECIPES. 143 

If made with a larger proportion of the ar- 
row-root powder, and milk, seasoned with nut- 
meg and cinnamon, it is adapted to diseases of 
the stomach and bowels in adults. 

Elderberry Syrup. — To a pint of the berries, 
add a pound of the best muscovado sugar, and 
boil it until it becomes a syrup • carefully ta- 
king off the scum, as long as it rises. 

One or two tablespoonfuls of this syrup ad- 
ded to a pint of water, makes a wholesome and 
pleasant beverage. 

Syrup of Turnips. — Pare and slice nice fresh 
turnips, placing brown sugar between every 
slice ; let them stand a few hours, and the syrup 
will collect. This simple remedy has been found 
very useful in coughs. 

Onion Syrup. — Take of the large red onions, 
and slice them evenly and thin, put them in an 
earthern bowl, place white powdered sugar be- 
tween every two slices of onion, and set the bowl 
near a moderate heat ; this is an excellent reme- 
dy, for all diseases of the lungs ; especially ex- 



144 RECIPES. 

cellent for infants. The red onion is stronger 
than the white. 

Tapioca Jelly. — 1 oz. of tapioca, or two table- 
spoonfuls ; 2 tea-spoonfuls of lemon juice, 4 ta- 
blespoonfuls of milk ; sugar to taste, and salt ; 
a little nutmeg, a little lemon peel. 

Mix the tapioca with one pint of cold water, 
let it stand one hour ; then boil over a clear fire- 
stirring until well dissolved and becomes clear) 
another hour ; near the end of boiling, add the 
lemon juice, and grate in some of the peel, and 
a little nutmeg. Strain it off through a sieve, 
then add the milk with the seasoning. 

When prepared as above directed, it is both 
an agreeable and nutritive aliment. 

Calves' Feet Jelly. — 2 calves' feet, £lb. of loaf 
sugar, 4 lemons, 8 eggs. 

Boil the feet intone gallon of water till it 
comes to a quart ; then strain it, and when it is 
cold skim the fat entirely off, and take the jelly 
up clean; if there is any settlings at the bottom 
leave it. 



RECIPES. 145 

Put the jelly into a sauce-pan with half a pound 
of loaf sugar ; the juice of the lemon, and the 
whites of the eggs, finely beat with the whisk ; 
mix all well together, set the saucepan upon a 
clear fire, and stir the jelly until it boils. 

When it has boiled a few minutes, pour it 
through a flannel bag until it runs clear. Slice 
the lemon peels as thin as possible, ready in a 
large china bowl, and strain the jelly warm upon 
them ; from these it will acquire both an amber 
color, and an agreeable flavor. Afterwards it 
may be poured into glasses. 

Mutton Broth — 1 lb. of loin of mutton ; 1 
small onion, 2 blades of mace. Put the mutton 
into a nice saucepan with three pints of water, 
over a clear fire with a little salt ; take off the 
scum as it rises, with a skimmer, and slice the 
onion fine and add with the mace, if approved 
by the patient. Boil till the meat is very ten- 
der, then take it out, and pour the broth into 
an earthen vessel ; when cold, skim the fat part 

which is congealed on the surface entirely off; 
13 



146 RECIPES. 

after which a part of the broth may be warmed 
and given to the patient as often as needful. A 
little boiled rice may also be added here occa- 
sionally. 

Beef Broth. — Take of lean beef as free of 
fat as possible, a quarter of a pound; place 
it in a stewpan with' a pint and a half of water, 
and salt to season ; when it begins to boil, skim it 
for five minutes ; then add two blades of mace 
and continue the boiling ten minutes longer, 
which being done, the broth may be poured into 
a bowl for use. 

Chicken Broth. — Divide a middling sized 
chicken in two parts, take the skin and fat en- 
tirely off, put the half into a stewpan with a 
quart of water, add some salt ; as the scum rises 
take it off; then add a blade or two of mace, 
and some bread, and when boiled about three 
quarters of an hour in all, the broth is fit for use. 

Cat some thin slices of bread, pour some of 
the prepared chicken broth upon them; then 






RECIPES. 147 

lay the chicken as then boiled over them. Let 
this be eaten without any other sauce. 

Alum Whey. — Boil two drachms of alum in 
powder, in a pint of milk, till it is curdled ; then 
strain out the whey. This astringent is often 
used with advantage in weakness. 

Mustard Whey. — Boil one ounce and a half 
of mustard, in one quart of equal quantities of 
milk and water, until the curd is entirely sepa- 
rated ; after which the liquid is strained through 
a cloth. This preparation is one of the most 
pleasant and efficacious forms in which mustard 
can be given. A tea-cupful sweetened with su- 
gar, taken three or four times in a day, is ex- 
ceedingly beneficial in low fevers, as a diapho- 
retic cordial. 

Beef Tea. — Cut one pound of beef that is free 
from fat, into thin slices or shreds, and boil it 
in a quart of water for twenty minutes ; remov- 
ing the scum as it rises. After it grows cold 
the liquor should be strained, in which state it 
resembles a light infusion of green tea, has a 



148 RECIPES. 

very grateful flavor, and is more strengthening 
than other broths 

To Mull Port Wine. — Boil some spice in a 
little water, till the flavor be gained ; then add 
an equal quantity of wine, sugar and nutmeg \ 
boil it together and serve with toast. Another 
way: Boil some allspice or a bit of cinnamon, 
and some grated nutmeg a few minutes, in half 
a pint of water ; then pour on a pint of wine, 
add sugar to your taste, beat it up, and it will 
be ready. 

To Mull White Wine. — Boil a good wine with 
a tablespoonful of allspice ; beat up the yolk of 
an egg with a little sugar, and add it to the 
wine while boiling. 

Refreshing Drink in Fevers.— Boil two oun- 
ces of tamarinds, with an equal quantity of cur- 
rants and raisins, in two quarts of water, till 
a fourth be consumed. Strain it on a piece of 
lemon peel, which remove in one hour, as it 
gives a bitter taste if left long. 

Tamarinds, currants fresh or in jeHy, scalded 



RECIPES. 149 

currants, or cranberries, with cold water, make 
an excellent drink : a little sugar may be added 
if agreeable. 

Lemon tvater. — Put two slices of lemon thinly 
peeled into a teapot, a small piece of the peel 
and some white sugar ; pour in a pint of boiling 
water, stop it close for two hours. 

Apple water. — Cut two large apples in slices, 
and pour boiling water, one quart over them ; 
let them stand two hours and sweeten lightly. 

Rules for the Diet (of Invalids^) — Bread made 
of the ground wheat unbolted ; Indian Rye, good 
butter, potatoes, rice, and stewed fruit. Plain 
puddings, and custard, milk, and molasses when 
they agree; Cocoa shells made the same as cof- 
fee ; weak black tea, oysters, fresh and salt 
water fish, and salt codfish ; eggs cooked rare, 
onions thoroughly boiled. 

I have mentioned the kind of diet, that should 
be taken ; but there may be some exceptions, 
inasmuch as what may agree with one, will not 
with another. In such cases whatever relishes 



150 RECIPES. 

and digests well, or rests easy on the stomach, 
may be safely taken in moderation ; but the 
stomach should never be overloaded even with 
light food : and never indulge in late suppers. 

As much depends upon the quantity as qual- 
ity of the food, and as great an amount of guilt is 
attached to the man who gluts, or poisons him- 
self to death, as to one who cuts his throat, or 
hangs himself. Rise with an appetite. 

" After breakfast walk awhile, 
After dinner sit or lonnge awhile, 
After supper walk a mile. 

u Let supper little be, and light, 
But none makes the best night." 

Masticate or chew the food well ; eat slowly. 
Meals should be taken at regular intervals, as 
near as possible through the day, at six hours 
apart, and nothing between them; and none 
just before going to bed ; avoid very hot liquids. 

Abstinence should be preferred to medicine. 
It is beneficial to omit a meal occasionally, par- 
ticularly if a little unwell. Sleeping apartments 
should be well ventillated ; but no current of air 
should come directly on the bed. All bed clothes 



RECIPES. 151 

should be well aired ; and use no tight clothes, 
or corsets in common cases. Flannel should be 
taken off on going to bed, and it is best to wear 
it over the shirt. Muslin is better than linen ; 
it preserves a more uniform temperature. A 
shower bath should be taken daily, or at furthest 
weekly ; after which, rub the whole surface brisk- 
ly with a coarse towel, and particularly any part 
which is weak. Bathe the top of the head, tem- 
ples, behind the ears, back of the neck, throat, 
arm-pits, breast, &c, with cold water every 
morning, and rub them briskly, not omitting 
the face and eyes. It preserves the part from 
cold, and nervous affections. Ablution or bath- 
ing the body, is a good substitute for the shower 
bath ; if the skin is hard, add a little ley or soda 
to the water. 

Exercise in the open air is very necessary. 
Walking, riding, digging, ploughing, and the 
spinning-wheel are all very good. Feather beds 
should not be used in the summer season ; the 
hair or husk mattresses should be substituted. 



152 RECIPES. 

Avoid over-exertion and fatigue as much as 
indolence. Also avoid a stream of air while in 
a state of perspiration, as you would an arrow. 
The mind should be composed, not giving place 
to a fretful temper or corroding care. Avoid 
the crowded party, ball-room, and theatre. Says 
Hassar Imma an Arabian ; " Start from your 
couch betimes. The moments of the morning 
are sacred and salubrious ; then the Genii of 
health descend and communicate with those who 
visit the herbage of the field while rich with the 
dews of heaven. How pure and sweet the smell 
of the air in this unpolluted state, before it is 
contaminated by corporeal effluvia ! The fragrance 
of the groves will regale your senses, and the 
melody of birds allure your hearts to gratitude 
and praise." 

Your regimen ought to be simple and inarti- 
ficial. Drink only the simple water ; it is the 
beverage of nature, and not by any means, nor 
in any way to be improved by art. No spirits 
whatever are half so salutary. It is stronger 



RECIPES. 153 

than the strongest wine, purer than the virgin 
honey, and sweeter than the sweetest nectar. 

" Cleanliness is one of our greatest concerns. 
All animals, are subject to its laws. The means 
of it are always at hand ; the limpid stream and 
the briny wave are for this purpose ordained and 
given to the inhabitants of the earth. They 
purify the surface, and strengthen and brace, at 
the same time, all the nerves of the system, and 
fibres of the human frame. In this manner have 
the destinies proscribed filth. It is the source 
of innumerable diseases. It is loathsome and 
detestable ; and the man or the woman who is 
averse to bathe or wash, ought not to live." 

"Forget not to mingle moderation and absti- 
nence even with the holiest rites of wedlock. A 
proper and habitual restraint in conjugal pleas- 
ure, is like incense to the flames of the altar. 
So far from quenching, it cherishes and improves 
the heavenly fire. Healthy, happy, vigorous, 
and beautiful, are the offspring of chaste and 
rational love." 



154 RECIPES. 

" Study to acquire a composure of mind and 
body. Avoid agitation or hurry of the one or 
the other, especially just before or after meals, 
while the process of digestion is going on. To 
this end govern your temper ; endeavor to look 
at the bright side of things ; keep down as much 
as possible the unruly passions ; discord, envy, 
hatred, and malice, and your head upon your 
pillow in charity with all mankind. Let not 
your wants outrun your means. Whatever diffi- 
culties you have to encounter, be not perplexed, 
but only think what is right to do in the sight 
of him who seeth all things, and bear the result 
without repining." 

" In a word, there must be universal temper- 
ance, regularity, and exercise, in order to secure 
health ; and in those cases of milder disease, 
where exercise, drink, sleep, &c, can be regu- 
lated so as to bring about the restoration of health 
medicine should be avoided." 

"It is only by obedience to these constitutional 
laws, fixed and immutable as the laws of the 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 155 

planetary world, which a wise and benevolent 
Creator has established in our nature, that life 
and health can be secured. If I were asked on 
what conditions more than others, health and pu- 
rity depend, I should reply, active exercise, at- 
tentive industry, and healthful employment for 
body and mind." Beach. 



THE PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY, 
IN VARIOUS DISEASES. 

" In slight cases of indigestion, popular prejudices 
may have led practitioners to attribute the most 
usual symptoms of indigestion to a retention of 
bile, and to suppose that nothing else than cal- 
omel or the blue pill can afford them relief. 

" Hazardous as it always must be to oppose 
popular prejudice, it is incumbent on practition- 
ers, in every instance of serious indisposition, 
to act according to their own deliberate judg- 
ment respecting the nature of the case, and not 
in compliance with the caprice of the patient. 

"Physicians ought absolutely to refuse giving 



156 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

or sanctioning the use of mercury; especially 
in cases of pregnancy, as in many cases it pro- 
duces abortion ; and is in general deleterious to 
the child. 

" Those who are subject to occasional fits of 
dyspepsia, particularly those who have resided 
in hot climates are accustomed to appeal to their 
own personal experience, as directly evincing 
the great utility of calomel in such complaints. 
But if those persons could attend impartially to 
the effect of that medicine, they would find that 
its immediate operation is severe, and that it is 
followed for some time by uncomfortable feel- 
ings, and by an unusual susceptibility of derange- 
ment of the stomach and bowels. Perhaps, 
indeed these very effects of Calomel furnish in a 
majority of cases an antidote to the poison, for 
they compel the sufferers to adopt restrictions 
in diet and other necessary precautions, which 
the immediate relief that would ensue from the 
operation of such medicines might make them 
suppose to be useless. 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 157 

" Sometimes, it is true, a single dose of Calomel 
seems to remove in a few hours the oppressive 
feelings produced by indigestion ; and this hap- 
pens from the sudden discharge of the acrid 
contents of the stomach and bowels. But a re- 
petition of the same medicine, instead of being 
equally serviceable, generally aggravates the 
sufferings; inducing alarming fits of palpitations 
or of faintings, or of such unaccountable feelings 
as lead to the dread of immediate death. The 
author can truly affirm, that in several cases to 
which he has been called, where patients had 
been under a course of mercury for stomach 
complaints, the irritable feelings described, were 
in a much more violent degree than he ever wit- 
nessed from the same medicine given in other 
diseases. Nor is it wonderful that this should 
happen, since it is well known that one of ihe 
most common disorders occasioned by the use 
of mercury, is indigestion. 

"When symptoms resembling those of dyspepsia 
arise from organic disease of the stomach, or 



158 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

through sympathy from tubercles in the lungs, 
or altered texture of any other part than the 
liver, it may be questioned whether any benefi- 
cial effects were ever produced by mercury. In 
almost all the instances of this kind which have 
fallen under the author's notice, the original af- 
fection was hurried on." 

It may be alleged, that in every complaint of 
infancy and childhood, calomel within these few 
years, has been had recourse to, not only by 
practitioners, but by parents and nurses ; a prac- 
tice which must have been long ago exploded, 
if its bad effects had been known. 

Although a dose of calomel may seem merely 
to affect the stomach or bowels, it may, by its 
latent influence upon some disorder, such as tu- 
bercles in the lungs, or slight enlargement of the 
mesenteric or other internal glands, give activity 
to a disease, the source of which might other- 
wise have been removed by the natural powers 
of the constitution. The author has for several 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 159 

years been impressed with the conviction of this 
important truth. 

That there are many individuals who have 
often with impunity taken calomel as a purgative, 
is not to he denied • but it is equally true, that 
extreme irritability of the stomach and bowels, 
ulceration of the mouth, with caries of the teeth, 
dropsy, epilepsy, and various other modifications 
of disease, have followed the use of that prepa- 
ration. In several cases the author has deci- 
dedly ascertained, that ulceration of the villous 
coat of the intestines in infants and young chil- 
dren, has been induced by the frequent repeti- 
tion of doses of that medicine. 

Had these injurious effects of calomel upon 
delicate constitutions been hid from the rest of 
the profession, and known only to the author, 
some apology might be offered for the pertina- 
city with which that medicine is still prescribed ; 
but so far is this from being true, that it may 
be. confidently asserted that no medical man of 
competent knowledge and observation, could 



160 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

administer calomel as a purgative, in a hundred 
instances, without being convinced of its injuri- 
ous tendency. Of this, innumerable proofs could 
be cited, but it is sufficient to appeal to the tender 
mercy of Professor Carlisle, and of Dr. Blackall. 
Dr. Carlisle has expressed himself very strong- 
ly on the subject. "That grave men should per- 
sist in large doses of calomel, and order these 
doses to be daily reiterated in chronic and debi- 
litated cases, is passing strange. 

"Men starting into the medical profession from 
a cloistered study of books, and from abstract 
speculations ; men wholly unaware of the fallibi- 
lity of medical evidence, and unversed in the 
doubtful effects of medicines, may be themselves 
deluded, and delude others for a time ; but when 
experience has proved their errors, it would be 
magnanimous, and yet no more than just, to re- 
nounce both the opinion and the practice." 

Dr. BlackalTs remarks being very specific, 
afford a little more satisfactory proof of the vali- 
dity of the author's opinions. 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 161 

"It appears to me/' he says, "that no acci- 
dents proper to the disease, can account for all 
those fatal conversions to the head, which of late 
years have so frequently taken place in the 
fevers of children ; and I have on some occasions 
been disposed to attribute them to excessive and 
repeated doses of calomel, which either not mov- 
ing the bowels, as was expected, have given 
evidence of being absorbed; or on the other 
hand, have purged too violently, and been suc- 
ceeded by diarrhoea without bile, and a prostra- 
tion of strength, from which the little patient 
has never risen. The less severe effects are 
sometimes of no slight importance ; a slow and 
imperfect recovery, a languid and feverish habit, 
and a disposition to scrofula. 

"It need not surprise us that in children, this 

disposition, particularly if so excited, should 

often be formed on the part most liable to every 

impression, and most actively developing itself, 

— the brain ; since even in adults, mercury is 

inimical to the nervous system. Parents have 
14 



162 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

something to regret, who are so perpetually giv- 
ing calomel to their children, without any dis- 
tinction or care as a common remedy ; and it is 
difficult to conceive on what view of the subject 
even practitioners proceed, who indulge in its 
use with less scruple than ever, with less caution 
as to management, while they are observing and 
lamenting the daily increasing ravages of here- 
ditary scrofulous diseases. 

"Small doses of calomel may seem useful in 
bowel complaints, when in reality the amendment 
is to be attributed to the regulation of diet, and 
to the opiates, which are commonly recommend- 
ed at the same time. This is the case in all 
diseases. 

"The author can confidently declare, that he 
has seen a number of infants and very young 
children destroyed, as he apprehends positively, 
by the indiscriminate use of calomel for com- 
plaints of the bowels. 

"In dropsies there is either increased activity 
of the exhalants, or some altered condition of the 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 1G3 

circulating mass, which renders it acrimonious 
or stimulating when exhaled ; it is perfectly ob- 
vious that all medicines capable of aggravating 
such causes, ought to be most carefully avoided ; 
and since it is clearly established, that prepara- 
tions of mercury have a direct tendency, both 
to increase the action of the arterial system and 
constituent parts of the blood, they must be re- 
garded as most especially inadmissible. 

"The author has never met in consultation, 
with any practitioner of discernment and expe- 
rience, who has not admitted the fact, both that 
mercury and squills frequently fail to give relief 
in cases of general dropsy ; and also, that in 
many instances their exhibition has been suc- 
ceeded by a rapid and mortal aggravation of the 
symptoms. 

"If any reliance can be placed on the validity 
of the observations in the preceding pages, the 
reasons for their failures may be easily compre- 
hended. 

"Were any further illustrations required, the 



164 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

author could state several distressing cases to 
which he has been called. The patients allu- 
ded to, while under a course of mercury and 
squills, had been unexpectedly seized with alarm- 
ing breathlessness, or violent pain in the side, 
or sudden delirium, with a sharp pulse. 

"But although a rapid amendment followed this 
change of treatment, the use of the mercury had 
been resumed whenever the alarm had fairly 
subsided, and a hopeless recurrence of all the 
bad symptoms had ensued. 

"Although the consideration may be humilia- 
ting, it is too instructive to be passed over, that 
the very reasons urged by practitioners of de- 
served eminence for the employment of dropsy 
of the head, are not unfrequently in direct con- 
tradiction to their own explanation of the na- 
ture of the disease. 

"On this subject the author can express his 
sentiments with more than usual confidence, hav- 
ing from his earliest years, had innumerable op- 
portunities of attending to the effects of mercury 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 165 

in this disease. In no instance under his obser- 
vation has that medicine ever proved successful ; 
and he fully agrees with Dr. Blackall in opinion 
that on many occasions the injudicious use of 
that mineral, has actually occasioned the disease. 
To his certain knowledge, affections of the stom- 
ach and bowels, have been converted into dropsy 
of the brain, by the use of mercury prescribed 
on the presumption, that the patient labored 
under that disease. 

"Upon what principle mercury has been uni- 
versally employed in all cases of enlarged ova- 
rium, notwithstanding the variety of age r consti- 
tution, and state of general health of the indivi- 
duals affected with it, no satisfactory explanation 
has hitherto been given. 

"Far less can experience be pleaded in justifi- 
cation of this practice ; for the author speaks 
within bounds when he avers, that he has known 
mercury employed in some hundred cases of di- 
seased ovarium, without its having proved useful 
in a single instance. A few apparent exceptions 



166 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

have been reported to him by old pupils ; but 
from the uniform result of all the cases which 
have been under his own notice, he is induced 
to believe that in these alleged exceptions, the 
disease had not been the enlargement of the 
ovary. 

"But while mercury can be of no utility what- 
ever, it may, and certainly often has produced 
irreparable injury, upon the general constitution. 
A most impartial attention to many of those 
cases has convinced the author that indurations 
which might have remained for years without 
inconvenience to the patient, have been forced 
into morbid activity by a course of mercury. 

" In some parts, calomel has been employed for 
many years as the chief remedy in croup. But 
frequently two children in the same family, 
treated according to this plan, have died within 
a few days of each other. 

"About sixteen years ago," says a distinguish- 
ed physician, "I was induced to give calomel a 
fair trial ; and I solemnly assert, that according 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 167 

to all that I have seen, no relief whatever has 
been afforded by that medicine, unless copious 
dark green colored stools like boiled spinach, 
have been discharged, and that it requires large 
and repeated doses of the medicine to produce 
even that effect. For example, to a child of 
seven years old, one hundred and thirty-three 
grains were given within sixty hours. 

"In reasoning upon this subject, it is extremely 
difficult to explain in the first place, the safety 
with which a hundred and thirty-three grains of 
calomel could be given, within sixty hours, to a 
patient of seven years of age. 

"It has been shown, that the action of calomel 
tends by exciting inflammation and effusion, to 
produce thickening of various membranes, par- 
ticularly of the pleura ; and several instances are 
recorded of that kind, where the fact was proved 
by the appearances on dissection. This effect 
of mercury has been long remarked by the 
author. 

"Many practitioners imagine that mercury is a 



168 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

specific in the venereal disease. But this is not 
the case. Indeed it is very questionable whether 
it has any other than a deleterious effect in this 
disorder. 

"This remark is exemplified in the experi- 
ments lately made in England, by the head sur- 
geon of the army. It is stated, that about two 
thousand patients were cured without mercury, 
simply by abstinence and rest ; or rather, by the 
natural efforts of the constitution; whereas no 
more were cured by mercury. 

"Thus it is evident, that the mineral exerts no 
influence in the removal of syphilis, and that 
physicians impute to art, or rather to a danger- 
ous medicine, what is due to nature. 

"When we reflect that in fevers, mercury is 
given with little scruple, w r e are led to remark, 
that "within^ the last thirty years, either a sud- 
den revolution in the law r s of the human machine 
had taken place, or that medical men had ceased 
to reason on the operations of medicines. 

"Every practitioner who has paid the least 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 169 

attention to the effects of mercury in fevers, 
must be convinced of its immediate and subse- 
quent injurious effects. No further proof need 
be adduced than is found in the preceding pages ; 
it is shown that it produces an augmentation of 
feverish and inflammatory symptoms ; that from 
the time that the influence of mercury becomes 
evident, the general strength declines rapidly, a 
dangerous emaciation, debility, with an irritable 
state of the whole system ; also paralysis, epi- 
lepsy, loss of senses, and many other distressing 
and dangerous complaints. 

"Who then, in the possession of his senses, 
would think of exhibiting mercury in fevers. 
But strange as it may appear, it is universally 
administered, and constitutes the chief medicine 
in the materia medica. We hope however, that 
those who see its pernicious and fatal effects por- 
trayed in this work, will in future flee from it, 
as from the face of the most poisonous serpent. 
It would require years to give an account of the 

number of deaths it has occasioned. It has the 
15 



170 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

power of decomposing the bones, and to cause 
rottenness and exfoliation. 

"Mercury appears to destroy the energy of the 
nervous system, producing weakness, tremors, 
palsies, fatuity, epilepsy, and mania, the most 
dreadful of its bad consequences ; and indeed no 
part of the body is exempt from its deleterious 
effects. 

"The patient becomes hectical, has a small 
quick pulse, and there is often a tendency to a 
colliquation on the skin and bowels, and a wast- 
ing atrophy of the flesh ; his countenance is pale 
and wan, his nights bad, his appetite impaired, 
his strength much reduced, and he complains of 
general irritability, with headache and flying 
pains in his bones, especially on the approach 
of bad weather, of rain of frost, or of north or 
south winds." Dr. Beech. 

A Bishop of Massachusetts, both deaf and 
dumb, states that his deafness, and that of his 
brother's, was the effect of haying mercury ad- 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. ' 171 

ministered to them during their sickness with 
the typhus fever. 

We are inclined to imagine that intemperance 
and abuse of mercury predisposes to onanism, 
as to many diseases, by impairing the general 
constitutional powers. — Porter on Onanism. 

Testimony of Dr. J. King. — Dr. John King 
of New Bedford, Massachusetts, writes as follows, 
on the subject of midwifery ; "I agree with you, 
and I insist upon it wherever I go, that this is 
not the part of the physician's labor. 

"It is not sickness in reality, but a natnral 
effect, intended by our Creator, and should be 
solely in the hands of women ; yet owing to pre- 
judice and the custom of society, however much 
they concur with me in this fact, when the hour 
arrives, the man is called, and she, whose mod- 
esty would at any other time mantle her cheeks 
with crimson, willingly submits to the laws of 
custom. 

"About four fifths of the female patients whom 
I attended for falling of the womb, and other 



172 ' PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 

diseases, have satisfied me beyond a doubt, that 
the sole cause of their afflictions, was the im- 
proper interference of their man midwife ; and 
you would not only laugh at the ignorance and 
stupidity of some of our most educated physici- 
ans, but would be surprised and disgusted, were 
I to inform you of their manual operations for 
dilating the vagina, &c, that the woman might 
get through labor sooner and with less pain. I 
shall continue to decry this unnatural and im- 
modest practice as long as life remains. 

"I conversed with a person a few days ago, 
who stated that his wife had been afflicted nearly 
twenty years with falling of the womb, produced 
while living in England, by her doctor during 
parturition. He was in a great hurry to get 
through, and took such means to facilitate deli- 
very as thus to injure her. 

"Females, dare you any longer hazard your 
health and lives, by employing men to attend 
you instead of females, whose province alone it 
is to officiate in this branch ? Remember if you 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 173 

do, it is at your peril, and I fear a curse instead 
of a blessing will attend you. Let the public 
be aroused to a proper sense of the evils and 
abuses connected with this subject, and let them 
adopt proper means for instructing suitable per- 
sons in midwifery. Let selfishness and ignor- 
ance be sacrificed on the altar of true benevo- 
lence." Dr. Beach. 



ON THE PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 

Having myself been a great sufferer in early 
life from habitual bleeding, I consider it a duty 
to insert an article, that was published in the 
Medical Reformer of New York City, in the 
year 1823 ; although our physicians of all the 
schools have nearly laid aside the practice, as 
far as my knowledge extends. 

" Among the various means made use of to 
restore the sick to health, there is none so irra- 
tional and absurd as blood-letting. It is at pres- 
ent, considered almost as a universal remedy, 
and resorted to for the cure of the slightest in- 



174 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 

disposition ; and, although daily slaying its thou- 
sands, it still continues to be the main pillar of 
the profession. " Indeed were bleeding and mer- 
cury to be altogether prohibited, physicians would 
find themselves in a sad dilemma ; their hands 
would be completely tied. We are unable to 
determine precisely tbe commencement of this 
pernicious custom, but we find it to be very an- 
cient. It appears to have been commensurate 
with the declension of the healing art in the ear- 
liest ages of the world. It was not however car- 
ried to such a fury, till after the discovery of 
the circulation of the blood by Harvey. It was 
at this period, that the whole faculty began their 
mad career, in committing the most wanton vio- 
lation to the laws of nature. Those who were 
so unfortunate as to fall victims to disease, were 
doomed to suffer the most extravagant effusion 
of blood. The poor sufferers were soon hurried 
to an untimely grave, secundum artem. The 
guillotine of France hardly surpassed this sys- 
tematic murdering. In process of time practi- 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING, 175 

tioners began to witness the mischief they were 
committing, which, in some measure clamped 
their ardor in these bloody scenes. This check 
induced one physician to remark, that the pro- 
portionate disuse of the lancet was one of the 
greatest improvements in modem medicine. We 
find however, that blood-letting has been prac- 
ticed for many centuries almost with the same 
infatuation; and, lamentable for mankind, in 
the present day-, it Is regarded as the most pow- 
erful weapon to subdue disease. There are few 
maladies in which it is not recommended. In 
pleurisy, and all inflammatory complaints, an 
astonishing quantity of blood is drawn from the 
system. It is very common to take from five 
to seven pounds in twenty-four hours. One of 
the professors in the medical college of this city 
stated that he had frequently bled his patients 
to the amount of two hundred ounces in three 
days. Another professor declared that he had 
taken three hundred ounces in the short space 
of three days, and for proof of this fact, appealed 



176 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 

to one of his students. The effect of this prac- 
tice we shall leave for people of common sense 
to determine. How much is it to be regretted 
that such an awful scourge of humanity should 
exist! A little examination into the conse- 
quences of blood-letting, will prove that so far 
from being beneficial, it is productive of the most 
serious and fatal effects. 

" Nature has endowed the animal frame with 
the power of preparing, from proper aliment, a 
certain quantity of blood. This vital fluid, sub- 
servient to nutrition, is, by the amazing struc- 
ture of the heart and blood-vessels, circulated 
through the different parts of the system. A cer- 
tain natural balance between what is taken in 
and what passes off by the several outlets of the 
body, is, in a state of health, regularly preserved. 
When this balance, so essential to life, is, con- 
trary to the laws of the animal constitution, in- 
terrupted, either a deviation from a sound state 
is immediately perceived, or health, from that 
moment, is rendered precarious. Blood-letting 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 177 

tends artificially to destroy that natural balance 
in the constitution. Nature, deprived of a quan- 
tity of the circulating fluid, being fitted with 
means for repairing the loss she has sustained, 
begins immediately to repair it. The secretions 
and excretions in general are diminished ; the 
appetite is increased ; and for a short time, the 
process of nutrition is unusually quick. 

" Thus, by the wisdom of Providence, nature 
soon restores to the constitution what art had 
taken from it.* The consequences therefore, 
of having been once bled are rarely considerable. 
This single operation however, is an imprudent 
violation of nature, and of common sense. 

" But too often the practice has not rested 
here. For various are the incidents which favor 
the repetition of blood-letting. The patient, if 
addicted to an easy, indolent, luxurious way of 



* Tt very frequently happens however, that in many habits, the loss 
of even small quantities of blood, induces such a debility as to pre- 
vent a reaction of the system, whereby the blood becomes thin and 
watery dropsical; and other diseases follow, and very commonly death 
itself. 



178 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 

life, may find himself, after the evacuation, sen- 
sible of some present ease. The system, being 
before, too full of blood, enjoys a short respite 
from its usual oppression. Or, after the bleed- 
ing, though it was improper, and tended rather 
to increase the disease, yet the hope of relief, or 
a change of weather, the benefit of exercise and 
country air, or some other alteration in an ac- 
customed manner of living, may by palliating or 
removing the complaint, prejudice the patient in 

favor of the lancet. The disorder it may be, 

was of such a kind as really to admit of allevia- 
tion from the use of bleeding ; but, nevertheless, 
the remedy unhappily proves of worse effect to 
the constitution than the disease itself would 
have done, though entirely left to nature. Great 
numbers of people who have been relieved by 
bleeding, are apt to be partial to the means of 
their own recovery, and to become strenuous 
advocates for its use, even in cases by no means 
similar to their own. 

" These, and a variety of accidental causes, 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 179 

often persuade to repetitions of blood-letting. 
The consequences now become more serious. 
The constitution, though it did not suffer mate- 
rially from one bleeding, yet far from being 
able to undergo with impunity repeated opera- 
tions of a similar kind, turns against itself those 
powers which were given for its preservation, 
and co-operates with the imprudent use of the 
lancet, in promoting the accomplishment of its 
own destruction. For now the constitution not 
only repairs the losses of blood it sustains, but 
if the common intervals of time be interposed, 
makes more blood than is naturally required for 
the purposes of health and life, it may be able to 
bear such repeated evacuations. 

" Thus the habit of blood-letting is establish- 
ed. But in fact, habitual blood-letting augments 
the very evil it was intended to remove. For 
sanguine evacuations necessitating the constitu- 
tion to make more blood than is requisite, pro- 
duces too great fulness of the system* The 

*This state of the system is denominated plethora. 



180 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 

balance between what is taken into the body, 
and what passes off by its several outlets, is no 
longer maintained. As the disposition to ple- 
thora exists, plethora itself, if the person con- 
tinue to live in his accustomed manner, will un- 
doubtedly prevail, except at that time when the 
constitution has just received the unnatural as- 
sistance of the lancet. The habit of letting blood 
increases and becomes stronger by repetition. 
In this state, the constitution in spite of human 
art, will at times labor under various degrees of 
plethora, till the vessels arrive at that point of 
fulness, which again creates the necessity of 
bleeding. Though some constitutions are so 
robust, or so peculiarly framed by nature, as to 
bear such treatment without any evident bad 
consequences, yet this is but the privilege of 
few. Many will severely suffer, though they 
themselves may often be the first to extol in the 
highest terms of praise that very remedy which 
has proved so pernicious to their own constitu- 
tions. They have been bled till stated bleed- 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 181 

ings become necessary, not only for the support 
of health, but even for the preservation of their 
lives. They have injudiciously created to them- 
selves the necessity of bleeding, and are even 
happy to find that it relieves complaints, which 
• it at first tended to induce, and afterward to 
confirm. 

6 The effects of plethora are many and dan- 
gerous. A slight degree of it often produces 
strange commotions in weak and irritable habits. 
No person who depends for the preservation of 
his health on an artificial discharge of blood, can 
ever be pronounced out of danger. Before the 
usual means of relief be employed, the sanguine 
fulness at one time or another may have pro- 
ceeded to a morbid, or even to a fatal length. 
The anticipation of the stated bleedings may 
with the greatest inconvenience lessen, but it can 
never remove the danger. An increase of fat- 
ness, unnatural heat, torpor, inactivity, and a 
sense of lassitude are common effects of plethora. 
The whole vascular system is unnaturally put 



182 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 

upon the stretch, and along with it, the nervous 
and muscular fibres. Thus by slow degrees, the 
tone of the body, in consequence of so consider- 
able an over-distension, is in danger of being 
destroyed. The constitution itself, in proportion 
to its native vigor, is rendered liable, exclusive 
of every other cause of disease, to break many 
years sooner than it might otherwise have done 
in the common course of nature, if nature's laws 
had not been wantonly violated, or presumptu- 
ously despised. Hence old age sets in at an 
earlier season, and becomes afflicted with heav- 
ier infirmities. Frequently the appetite fails, 
the powers of digestion and nutrition are im- 
paired, the body shrinks, the mind becomes 
dejected, the stomach and bowels are disordered, 
sleep is interrupted and unrefreshing, and in 
short, the whole constitution fundamentally sha- 
ken and debilitated. 

a These are the flow and frequent consequen- 
ces of plethora. Others in fact occur, which, 
though on the whole they are perhaps less des- 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 183 

tractive, are however more painful, and better 
distinguished. 

" Too great a fulness of blood predisposes the 
constitution to a world of disorders. Inflamma- 
tory fever, and external inflammation, thephren- 
sy, the pleurisy and the quinsy, rheumatism, 
haemorrhage, &c, are frequently the disorders 
of a sanguine habit, depending greatly on the 
plethoric state. Physicians likewise are per- 
fectly agreed, that too great a quantity of blood 
increasing irritability, has a strong tendency to 
excite, in habits where the predisposition to such 
disorders exists, convulsions, St. Vitus' dance, 
epilepsy, and hysteric fits; complaints which 
otherwise might never have made their appear- 
ance. We may further add, pains of the head, 
vertigo, night-mare, often the forerunners of 
apoplexy and palsy, which are justly ranked 
among the unhappy effects of plethora. Habit- 
ual blood-letting tends indeed particularly to 
bring on apoplectic and paralytic complaints. — > 
The morbid habit, acquiring strength by repeti- 



184 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 

tioiij produces its fullest and most trying effects 
in advanced age, when venous plethora occurs ; 
and when the veins of the head, in old people 
are particularly subject to rupture, and the con- 
sequent effusion of blood, far the most frequent 
and fatal cause of apoplexy. 

" Thus much, by way of example, to show the 
bad effects of bleeding. It has been proved, 
that habitual artificial discharges of blood, in- 
stead of diminishing, tend to produce plethora ; 
the pernicious consequences of which, on the 
human constitution, have been briefly enumer- 
ated. 

u Some may object to this reasoning, that in 
many instances of habitual blood-letting, the ef- 
fects here mentioned have not followed ; and 
that, where they have, other causes more power- 
ful have principally produced them. We answer, 
that such argument is inconclusive in itself, and 
foreign to the present subject. Not uncommonly 
the slighter effects of blood-letting are inaccu- 
rately overlooked, or ignorantly neglected. But, 



PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 185 

where that is not the case, it may be observed, 
that particular causes of disease, when not alone 
completely efficient, are often applied without 
inducing any morbid effect. Hard would be the 
fate of mankind, were every species of contagion 
to infect every person to which it might be ap- 
plied. To argue, that habitual bleedings are no 
cause of apoplexy, because apoplexy is not con- 
stantly induced, is just as rational as to deny 
the very power of a pestilential contagion, be- 
cause it has been applied to thousands without 
exciting the pestilential fever. To produce a 
disease, two particulars in general are requisite : 
first, predisposition of the body ; secondly, the 
application of the exciting cause. Without the 
predisposition we are often exposed with impu- 
nity to otherwise very active causes of disease ; 
and, without the application of the cause, the 
predisposition may continue with us through life 
without inconvenience. With regard to the lat- 
ter part of the objection, that other cases, more 

powerful, acting in conjunction with habitual 
16 



186 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETflNG. 

blood-letting, may probably have produced the 
effects which have been enumerated, it is evi- 
dently foreign to the purpose. We grant that 
full living, and the neglect of exercise, may very 
powerfully assist in exciting the bad consequen- 
ces of plethora. It is believed too, that there 
are men who would rather submit to be bled 
even once a month, with the privilege, in the 
mean time, of indulging their vitiated appetite 
at large, and of enjoying the pleasures of ease, 
than by living a temperate, active life, possess 
the most perfect state of health, the free gift of 
heaven, independent of the assistance of art. 
Yet the argument, just advanced, appears still 
decisive, that habitual blood-letting often produ- 
ces a sanguine fulness of the vascular system, 
liable to be followed with pernicious effects, and 
is therefore absurd, and highly detrimental to 
health." 



ABUSES IN SURGERY. 187 

THE KNIFE, O R THE ABUSES IN SURGERY, 

The limits of this little work will only enable 
me to make some brief extracts on surgery, and 
the knife, of sentiments, which have long been 
confirmed by my own observation, and know- 
ledge of the healing art, as practiced by the 
different schools. — Author. 

1. Amputation. — "It is customary to ampu- 
tate a limb, when mortification takes place, but 
it is directed not to remove it until a line of 
demarcation is formed between the mortified or 
dead, and the living or sound flesh ; assigning 
as a reason, that if it is done the stump will 
slough, or that the disease will return. 

"Now, I ask in the name of reason, common 
sense, and philosophy, where is the propriety or 
necessity for amputating a limb for mortification, 
or any other disease, when it has been stopped 
or arrested? In this case, according to the very 
directions given, or principles laid down, the 
limb will, if left to nature alone, be saved." 



188 ABUSES IN SURGERY. 

The extract already quoted from Gibson, 
proves that a surgeon who understands the heal- 
ing art, may practice perhaps all his lifetime, 
without cutting off a single limb. How then, 
can surgeons in this day, reconcile their cutting 
and carving system with their consciences, or 
with correct principles of the science of medicine? 

"It is a very common circumstance, for per- 
sons to apply to us for the treatment of some 
disease, for which amputation, or an operation 
has been proposed ; and I now do not recollect 
a single case in which we have not been success- 
ful, where our prescriptions have been followed ; 
a great share of the abuse and calumny which 
has been heaped upon the author of this work, 
has arisen in consequence of having cured those 
very diseases, for which operations have been 
prepared and recommended as absolutely neces- 
sary. I must however here state, that it is al- 
leged that some improvements have taken place 
within a few years past, in operative surgery. 
A medical gentleman informed me, that not one 



ABUSES IN SURGERY. 189 

half of the limbs are now amputated, that were 
some years ago. 

"Compound Fractures and Dislocations. — It 
has been customary to amputate in compound frac- 
tures and dislocations ; but this is seldom if ever 
necessary. The worst cases of which I have 
any account may be cured ; and indeed, ampu- 
tations now, are not so frequently performed for 
these accidents, as they were some years ago. 

"Sir Astley Cooper proves conclusively, that 
these accidents are to be cured without amputa- 
tion. Why, then, do other surgeons in this day 
amputate for them ? But I humbly trust, that 
a new era in medical science will soon dawn 
upon the world. 

"White Stvelling. — It is customary to ampu- 
tate for white swelling. This is truly a cruel 
unnecessary, and shocking practice. How must 
the hearts of parents bleed to see ihe limb or 
limbs of their beloved children amputated or cut 
off for disease, that can be infallibly cured, as 
I have demonstrated in a number of cases. 



190 ABUSES IN SURGERY. 

"Operations for Cancer. — It is recommended 
by authors and lecturers both in Europe, and 
America, to use the knife for cancers, in the fe- 
male breast and other parts of the body. But 
how this practice has so long prevailed, in face 
of all the facts on record, I can not divine. J can 
not account for it in any other way, except on 
the same principle that error always prevails. 
I know by a life time's experience, that the 
method of extirpating cancers with the knife, is 
not attended with success ; but on the contrary, 
I have found that it aggravates the complaint. 
I have been called to treat the disease in all 
stages, both before and after excision, and there- 
fore I consider myself a competent judge ; and 
now have to state, that this operation is uncertain, 
ineffectual, and generally renders the complaint 
worse; and therefore ought to be abandoned, 
and other means substituted. Among all the 
operations performed for cancer of the female 
breast, I have never known a solitary cure per- 
formed. 



ABUSES IN SURGERY. 191 

"Dr. Alexander Munroe of Edinburgh states 
he has been present at the extirpation of sixty- 
two cancers of the female breast, and not two 
of the individuals remained free from the disease 
two years afterward. Is there then, any en- 
couragement, or any authority, for continuing 
this barbarous practice. Attempts to cut a can- 
cer, may be compared to the cutting down a 
tree and leaving the roots to sprout. It grows 
with renewed vigor. 

"The method that we pursue in the treatment 
of this disease, is altogether better. Dr. W. Beach. 

My Dear Sir.—" I beg your acceptance of 
a copy of the last edition of my Treatise on the 
Diseases of the Joints. I also send you some 
pamphlets, which you may perhaps, find leisure 
to peruse on your voyage. I hope that my 
work on the joints has at all events, contributed 
to diminish the number of amputations performed 
in this countrv, on account of this class of di- 
seases. Certain it is, that many diseased joints 
were amputated in the earlier part of my pro- 



192 ABUSES IN SURGERY. 

fessional life, which the London surgeons would 
not even dream of amputating at the present 
time ; and that in several of the cases recorded 
in my treatise, as having been the subject of 
amputation formerly, (and to which by the way, 
I am indebted for many of my pathological ob- 
servations) a cure would now have been obtained 
by easier means, and without the mutilation of 
the patients. 

"Altogether the proportion of severe opera- 
tions has of late years, become very much di- 
minished in the hospitals of our metropolis, and 
I attribute this mainly to the improvements that 
have taken place in our art. Without under- 
rating the importance and value of operative 
surgery on many occasions, I must say, I could 
never bring myself to regard it as constituting 
the glory and pride of our profession. The mu- 
tilation of the human body, is at least, but a 
sorry expedient, since operations are always at- 
tended with more or less hazard ; and I con- 
ceive that it is a greater triumph for science 



ABUSES IN SURGERY. 193 

when she teaches us to cure a disease by other 
means, than when she leads us to the same re- 
sult by the most skilful and masterly operation." 
I am dear Sir with great respect, 
Your faithful friend, 

B. C. Brodie. 

The Count La Salle, in one of his papers ad- 
dressed to the Academy des Arts at Paris, thus 
expresses himself in relation to the practice of 
surgery among the Indians. The paper is da- 
ted August 10th, 1565. 

u In my travels through the wilds of America, 
I visited most of the Indian tribes, which popu- 
late the regions of the west. I commenced my 
pilgrimage, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, 
and ended it, at the passes of the Mississippi. 
A nobler race of beings I never witnessed ; I 
was surprised when I found, that though unac- 
quainted with any of the sciences, they were 
masters of the art of surgery. During my 
travels, I found a number of the Aborigines who 

had been wounded and mangled in the wars ; 
17 



194 ABUSES IN SURGERY. 

but I never found one who was in the least de- 
formed by the fracture of bones, and the numer- 
ous accidents to which Indian warfare are lia- 
ble — not a single amputation. I had noticed, 
in most of the hospitals of Europe, that but few 
of the inmates who had been confined, came out 
without being lame and deformed ; and when I 
recollected this, I expressed my surprise and as- 
tonishment to the chiefs of the tribes, that the 
invalids perfectly recovered the use of their 
limbs, and did not bear any of the marks of 
previous disaster. 

"To my observations one of the chiefs replied, 
' You have men to mend limbs, who are taught 
by men to do so ; w r e obtain our knowledge, 
from the Great Spirit. We are perfect, for our 
knowledge comes from the clouds ; yours comes 
from man only.' I confess that I was thunder- 
struck with the reply ; but I could not but ad- 
mit the justice, accuracy, and pungency of the 
remark." 

The celebrated missionary John Zimmerman, 



ABUSES m SUEGERY. 195 

as early as the year 1620, made a voyage to 
Patagonia, under the auspices of the Moravian 
church ; and in one of his letters to the Synod, 
took an elaborate view of the people, from which 
we make the following extract. 

" I was not more surprised than delighted, to 
find among this people, men who were practi- 
cally and theoretically acquainted with surgery, 
though they were unacquainted 'with the terms 
and phrases which are employed by civilized 
nations. I inquired of them, how they became 
acquainted with the art ; their reply was, ' our 
God forms not his mortals without intelligence, 
and he has wisely ordained, that we should all 
possess the capacity of supplying our wants. 
He that formed us, endowed us with the neces- 
sary knowledge, to enable us to heal our wounds 
and restore our fractured bones.' 

"Were I disposed, I could relate hundreds, if 
not thousands, of the most inhuman, barbarous, 
bloody, and fatal operations, both in Europe and 
America ; and that too, for those very diseases, 



196 ABUSES IN SURGERY. 

which nature often cures without any assistance 
from art. It may be, that occasionally an op- 
eration removes a disease. But if so, this is 
blazoned to the world, and brings great fame to 
the operator ; when perhaps the scores of cures 
which he butchered out of the world, are kept 
silent. Indeed I have sometimes thought, the 
more patients a surgeon kills, by formidable op- 
erations, the more popular he becomes. I never 
would object to any operation, were I convinced 
that there was no other alternative ; but when 
I see persons operated upon, and destroyed for 
complaints which I have cured, if I did not raise 
my warning voice against such a practice, and 
express my indignation, I should be destitute of 
the least spark of humanity." Dr. Beach. 

The physician can only be the servant of na- 
ture, in the cure of disease. In reality we cure 
nothing. We can only remove the offending 
cause, while nature performs a cure ; and there- 
fore lay it down as a fundamental maxim in me- 



ABUSES IN SURGERY. 197 

dicine, that all the physician can do, is to act as 
a servant or handmaid to nature 

The author of the "Medical Sketches," thus 
remarks in relation to this subject : " The an- 
cients says he, "not only observed the effects of 
that instinct by which brutes are directed to cer- 
tain plants for relief when they are unwell, and 
then applied them to the complaints of men, but 
they also attended with diligence to the man- 
ner in which nature, when left to herself entirely, 
received or threw off diseases. They perceived 
that certain disorders were carried off by spon- 
taneous vomitings, others by looseness,^ and oth- 
ers by augmented perspiration ; and having 
thus learned how diseases were cured by nature, 
whenever her powers seemed to be weak and 
tardy, then, and then only, they ventured to 
assist her by art. 

Here it is worthy of observation, that although 
that sensation or instinct by which some animals 
prompted to select particular vegetables for the 
removal of disorders, is not given in so strong 



198 ABUSES IN SURGERY. 

or particular a degree to man ; yet nature often 
directs him also, though in a more general way, 
to the best method of relieving his complaints. 
In fevers, the patient generally has a desire for 
cooling, light, acescent drinks, and dislikes those 
which are of a heavier and more heating nature ; 
he covets jificy, ripe fruits, of various kinds, and 
nauseates or loathes animal food ; a free stream 
of air, and a spacious cool bed chamber, are 
equally salutary and agreeable to him; while 
confined air and a small heated room, are per- 
nicious and oppressive. In these instances 
what the sick person shows an aversion to, has 
a tendency to promote the disease ; and what he 
relishes, has an effect in abating its virtue. 
Other instances of the same kind, might be enu- 
merated ; I will confine myself to one which I 
have frequently had occasion to observe. 

Towards the end of very bad putrid fevers, 
when the patient, exhausted by the violence and 
length of the disease, lay constantly on his back, 
had continual stortings in the tendons of the 



ABUSES IN SURGERY. 199 

wrists, his lips and teeth being covered with a 
black coat, his tongue trembling, and with diffi- 
culty held out, the pulse weak and quick ; in 
this deplorable condition, when the patient seem- 
ed insensible to every thing else, he rejected, 
with every mark of aversion that was in his 
power, medicines of every kind ; but upon his 
lips and tongue being moistened with wine, he 
sucked it greedily, and was soon cured." This 
doctrine is further exemplified by the writings 
of Dr. Hillary, who states in his secret of curing 
diseases by adopting a better system, " that by 
accurately observing all the motions, endeavors, 
and indications of nature to carry off and cure 
diseases, and by observing by what critical evac- 
uations, she does at last cast off the morbid 
matter which caused them, and so restores health ; 
we may, by the same method of reasoning, know 
both the methods and the means we should use to 
assist nature in producing those salutary results ; 
if we avoid all hypothetical reasoning, and by 
thus observing, following, and assisting nature, 



200 ABUSES IN SURGERY. 

agreeably to her indications, our practice will 
always be more satisfactory and successful. 

"The human body is so wisely and wonderfully 
formed, that whenever any noxious matter is got 
into it that would be injurious or destructive, we 
may observe that it always so irritates, stimu- 
lates, and offends nature, that she always exerts 
her power, or the vis-vitee, to throw it off; and 
she acts with great regularity order and unifor- 
mity in her endeavors to expel the offending 
matter out of the body ; and by carrying off 
the disease, restores health, and also preserves 
life. 

"And then by observing, investigating, and 
truly knowing the diseases and their causes, 
and justly reasoning therefrom, we shall know 
when to assist nature according to her indica- 
tions ; and in this is contained the chief part of 
medical knowledge, and the true scientific prin- 
ciple of the medical art; and when we shall 
thus have learned of nature, by observing her 
laws and indications, we may reasonably hope 



MEDICINES. 201 

to render the theory and practice of physic be- 
neficial to mankind." 



MEDICINES. 

Another reprehensible custom is, to pour 
down some nauseous drug • such as paregoric, 
Godfrey's Cordial, or some other articles, every 
time the child begins to fret or cry ; by which 
it becomes habituated to the use of opium, and 
making it necessary to increase the dose in 
order to produce the same effect. To let them 
fret a little is far better. 

Another injurious practice is, to give fre- 
quently worm lozenges, (the basis of which is 
calomel or mercury,) upon any attack of illness, 
under the impression that the disorder is occa- 
sioned by worms. 

By this imprudent course, both the health 
and life of the child is endangered. Therefore 
those w r ho wish to bring up their children in a 
healthy condition, must avoid these evils, and be 



202 MEDICINES. 

content to follow the simple path of nature and 
common sense. 

Few things tend more to the destruction of 
children than drenching them with drugs. Me- 
dicine may be sometimes necessary for children ; 
but it injures them ten times, for once it does 
them good, I will venture to assert. A mother, 
the moment the child seems to be unwell, sends 
for the doctor, lest he should say he was not 
called in time ; or the apothecary, who throws 
in his powders, pills and potions, till the poor 
infant is poisoned ; when the child might have 
been restored to health, by a change of diet, air, 
exercise, clothing, or some very easy and sim- 
ple means. Care must be taken to keep the 
bowels regular, which in most cases can be as- 
sisted by the milk of the mother alone. 

If they are too loose have some of the mo- 
ther's milk drawn out with a breast pipe or 
glasses, and scald or boil it ; and it will correct 
that weakness. Most of the complaints in chil- 
dren arise from flatulence or wind ; to remove 



MEDICINES. 203 

which, give common catnip or fennel tea, let 
them drink it freely, and let the mother regu- 
late her own diet. 

When children complain of pain in the stom- 
ach and bowels, it may be necessary sometimes 
to give a moderate dose of physic ; a little salt 
and water often relieves ; senna and manna is 
very good, after the operation of physic ; let the 
diet be attended to. Green fruit must be avoid- 
ed, and whatever is hard of digestion. The feet 
should be often bathed in warm water, the bow- 
els must be fomented with bitter herbs, and it is 
also necessary" to give the child sufficient exer- 
cise in the open air. 

Bathing should never be neglected, as it con- 
tributes much to health. Many complaints of 
the skin and system, are caused by the neglect 
of this practice. Filth collects on the surface, 
obstructs perspiration, which retains morbid hu- 
mors, and which are thrown upon some of the 
internal organs, and create irritation. Is it not 
owing to this uncomfortable feeling, that they 



204 MEDICINES. 

fret and cry ; for after bathing, they are dis- 
posed to sleep. 

Pure Air and Exercise. — This is very neces- 
sary ; impure and confined air, with the want 
of exercise, causes disease ; and hence children 
in the city are more pale, feeble, and sickly, 
than those who live in the country, and breathe 
pure air, and play in the dirt. 

Confining children at home in low, confined, 
dirty houses, cellars, and in sleeping-rooms. 
When children are confined in small apartments, 
the air not only becomes unwholesome, but the 
heat relaxes their solids, renders them delicate, 
and disposes them to colds and many other dis- 
orders. 

Nor is the custom of wrapping them too close 
in cradles, less pernicious. One would think, that 
nurses were afraid lest children should suffer, 
by breathing free air ; as many actually cover 
the child's face, after they are a month old, while 
they are asleep, and others wrap a covering over 
the whole cradle, by which means, the child is 



VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. 205 

forced to breathe the same air over and over, 
the whole time it sleeps. 

Children therefore, must have as much exer- 
cise and air as possible, and should be employed 
in something useful and interesting. The pre- 
mature exertion of intellect, to which the mind 
is stimulated at our schools, by the constant ex- 
citement of emulation and vanity, far from 
strengthening, tends to impair the health and 
tone of the brain, and of the organs all depend- 
ing on it ; and hence we rarely perceive the ge- 
nius of -the schools manifesting in future years, 
any of the superiority that attracted attention 
in early life. 



VE GETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. 

By Materia Medica is to be understood, the 
nature, properties, and employment of those 
agents or articles used in the treatment of di- 
sease ; and they, it will be seen, are principally 
derived from the vegetable kingdom, which 
abounds in medicinal productions of the choicest 



206 VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDIC A. 

kind, and shows how ample is our vegetable 
materia niedica, and how adequate to all need- 
ful purposes. How much more natural is it to 
look to the field and the forest for plants and 
roots to cure our complaints, than to dig in the 
bowels of the earth and procure certain metals, 
which prove poisonous and destructive, even in 
obtaining them, and much more so, after hav- 
ing been subjected to a chemical process. Both 
the untutored savage, and the beast, are taught 
by reason and instinct, to use those vegetables 
which are scattered so richly around them, to 
relieve their diseases. Those who have traveled 
among the natives of all countries, testify to 
these facts. The Indians of North America, 
know how to treat their complaints, both in 
physic, surgery, and midwifery ; as related by 
Count La Salle, Washington Irving, Catlin, 
Lewis and Clark, and numerous others. It is 
the same in the East Indies, South Sea Islands, 
Patagonia, Africa, &c, &c. 

Bosman, in his description of the coast of 



VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. 207 

Guinea, speaking of the different herbs employed 
by the natives, says : "I have seen several of my 
countrymen cured by these medicines, when our 
own physicians were at a loss what to do." 
Again he says, " I have observed the negroes 
cure such extensive and dangerous wounds with 
these herbs, that I have looked on with amaze- 
ment." 

Le Vaillant also, in his travels into the inte- 
rior parts of Africa, gives an interesting account 
of the use of vegetable remedies, by the sava- 
ges of that country. Upon one occasion, they 
cured him of a violent attack of quinsy, after 
he had given up his case as hopeless. His tongue 
and throat were so swelled, that he could only 
speak by signs ; and breathing became so much 
impeded, that he expected to be suffocated. In 
the meantime, he was visited by a party of sav- 
ages, who feeling an interest in his situation, 
pledged themselves to cure him. He had at 
this time, despaired of his life for nearly a week. 
The remedy was a hoi application, locally of a 



208 VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. 

certain herb. It was also to be used as a gar- 
gle. The poultice was renewed several times 
in the night, and the gargle still more frequently 
repeated. When day appeared, he was greatly 
eased; he could breathe more freely, and the 
swelling and inflammation of the throat were 
abated. By the third day, he found himself 
cured. He then went out to examine the plant* 
by which he had been restored to health. "Noth- 
ing in the country" says he, "was more common; 
it grew all around the camp, and was to be met 
with in every direction." He describes it as a 
species of sage, about two feet high, with a pleas- 
ant smell, and balsamic taste. 

Le Vaillant abounding in gratitude, no doubt 
for his unexpected cure, and regretting that so 
few of the plants which cover the surface of our 
globe should be unknown, says : "If there be any 
of real importance to us, we have been almost al- 
ways indebted to savages, or even to beasts, for 
their discovery. 

"The art of healing among the Sumatrans," 



VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDIC A. 209 

says Marsden in his history of the country, "con- 
sists almost entirely in the application of simples 
in the virtues of which, they are surprisingly 
skilled. All the old men and women in the 
country are physicians, and their rewards depend 
upon their success." 

Marsden also says : — "The Sumatrans have a 
degree of botanical knowledge that surprises a 
European. t 

"They are in general, and at a very early age, 
acquainted not only with the names, but the 
qualities and properties of every shrub and herb 
among that exuberant variety with which their 
country abounds." 

Order of Arrangement. — It is generally cus- 
tomary in treating on this branch of medicine, to 
divide the various remedies or agents into clas- 
ses; but as every plant possesses several or 
many properties, and cannot be classed into any 
definite medical order, but belong to several at 
the same time, a different arrangement is adopt- 
ed in preference. 
18 



210 VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. 

The following is the order which is adhered 
to in this work ; 1st., articles are treated of, which 
are purely vegetable, such as medicinal plants, 
roots, barks, etc. ; 2nd., minerals containing salts. 

Season of collecting Vegetable Medicines. — 
1. Boots. — Roots must be collected in the spring, 
before the sap begins to rise, or in the fall after 
the top is dead. 

2. Barks. — Barks may be stripped from the 
tree or shrub, any time when the sap prevents it 
from adhering to the wood. The exterior por- 
tion must be shaved off, the bark then cut thin, 
and dried in the shade. 

3. Medicinal Plants. — Medicinal plants should 
be collected while in blossom,' and dried in the 
shade also ; their virtues however, are not essen- 
tially diminished any time before frost comes. 

4. Floivers and Seeds. — Flowers and seeds 
should be collected when they are fully ripe, 
and likewise dried in the shade. All vegetables, 
after having been dried, should be kept from 
the air, and preserved air-tight, or in a dry place. 



VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDIC A. 211 

In this way they may be preserved for many 
years, without losing any of their medicinal pro- 
perties. 

Preparations — 1st Extracts. — The best meth- 
od to obtain all the strength and virtues of a 
plant or vegetable, is, to mash them ; to which 
acid a little alcohol, if necessary, press out the 
juice, and evaporate in the sun to the consistence 
of honey ; then put it in jars, and cover tight with 
bladders or skins. 

This is the inspissated juice, and is much su- 
perior to extracts made by boiling. 

Infusions, or Teas. — Put a handful of the 
herb into a tea-pot, and one pint of boiling water, 
and let it stand fifteen or twenty minutes ; dose : 
a full draught three or four times a day, unless 
differently prescribed. To promote perspiration, 
take it warm. 

Decoctions. — Make the same as infusion; but 
continue the boiling till all the strength is ex- 
tracted, j 

Component parts of Vegetables. — Plants are 



212 CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 

chemical compounds, prepared by the hand of 
nature ; and, although despised by the foolish as 
simple, they are more ingenious than can be made 
by the greatest chemist in the world. Nor will 
productions bear any comparison with them as 
regards beauty and medical properties ; and the 
reason is, because one is made by man, therefore, 
imperfect ; the other by the Creator, and there- 
fore, absolutely perfect. Vegetables in general, 
contain gum, fecula, gluten, sugar, oil, rosin, bal- 
sam, tannin, acid, wax, camphor and albumen. 



TERMS OF CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 

Narcotics, are substances which diminish the 
actions, and powers of the system, without occa- 
sioning any sensible evacuation. They have the 
effect of producing sleep. 

Antispasmodics, are medicines which have the 
power of allaying irritation and spasms. 

Tonics, are those medicines which increase the 
tone of the animal fibre, by which strength is 
given to the system. 



CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 213 

Astringents, are medicines which have the power 
of binding or contracting the fibres of the body. 

Emetics, are medicines which excite vomiting, 
independent of any effect arising from the mere 
quantity of matter introduced into the stomach. 

Purgatives or Cathartics, are medicines which 
increase the peristaltic motion of the intestines, 
and thereby produce a preternatural discharge. 

Emmenagogues, are those medicines which are 
capable of promoting the menstrual discharge. 

Diuretics, are those medicines which increase 
the urinary discharge. 

Diaphoretics, are those medicines which in- 
crease the natural exhalation by the skin, or 
promote perspiration and sweating. 

Suclorifics, are those medicines which produce 
copious exhalations. 

Expectorants, are those medicines which in- 
crease the discharge of mucus from the lungs. 

Sialagogues, are those medicines which excite 
a preternatural flow of saliva. 

Errhines, are those medicines which increase 



214 CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 

the secretion from the nose and headland excite 
sweating. 

JEpispastics or Blisters, are those substances 
which, when applied to the surface of the body, 
produce serous or puriform discharge, by exciting 
a previous state of inflammation. 

Rubefacients, are substances which, when ap- 
lied to the skin, stimulate, redden, or inflame it. 

Refrigerants, medicines which allay the heat of 
the body, or of the blood. 

Antacids, remedies which obviate acidity in the 
stomach. 

Litliontryptics, medicines which are supposed 
to have the power of dissolving urinary concre- 
tions in the bladder. 

Escliarotics or Caustics, substances which cor- 
rode or dissolve the animal solids. 

Anthelmintics, medicines which have the effect 
of expelling worms from the intestines. 

Demulcents, medicines which obviate and pre- 
vent the action of stimulating and acrid substan- 



REMARKS. 215 

ces. by involving them in a mild viscid matter, 
which prevents their action on the body. 

Diluents, those medicines which increase the 
fluidity of the blood. 

Emollients, substances which soothe and re- 
lax the living fibre. 

Alteratives. — This term is applied to substan- 
ces which are found to promote a change in the 
system favorable to recovery from disease, but 
not with certainty referable to any other class. 

Counter-irritants, agents applied to the surface, 
which excite an eruption or an inflammation and 
thus divert the humors from internal to external 
parts. 



REMARKS. 

Health. — When all the functions of the sys- 
tem are duly performed, a person may be said to 
be in health. 

Disease. — Any alteration from that state, or 
when any part ceases to perform its office or 
function, disease is the consequence. It is a sal- 



216 REMARKS. 

utary effort of nature to repair an injury to the 
system or establish health. 

What is termed disease appears, in reality, to 
be nothing more than an inherent principle in 
the system to restore healthy action, or to resist 
offending causes. Pain or disease is not the re- 
sult of any new or independent action in the sys- 
tem, but arises from an excess of excitement in 
the healthy functions of the body ; or in other 
words, is like fever, a healthy or conservative 
power of nature to noxious agents, or restore 
health. 

Disease a Unit — Is it irrational or unphilo- 
sophical, to consider disease a unit ? — all its in- 
numerable forms or symptoms being derived 
from one cause acting upon different organs or 
tissues of the body. 

Disease, Primary- or Systematic. — Disease is 
either primary (idiopathic) or systematic. Pri- 
mary, when it does not depend upon any other. 
Systematic, when it does depend upon some other 



REMARKS. 217 

complaint ; for instance, when the head aches by 
reason of a disordered state of the stomach. 

Disease is Acute or Chronic. — Acute, when the 
attack is very severe, attended with violent symp- 
toms, terminates in a few days, and is danger- 
ous. Chronic, when it is slow in its progress, 
little or no inflammation, and not attended with 
immediate danger. 

Peculiarity of Constitution {Idiosyncrasy?) — 
A peculiarity of constitution, in which a person 
is affected by certain agents, which, if applied to a 
hundred other persons, would produce no effect : 
thus, some people cannot see a finger bleed with- 
out fainting ; and thus violent inflammation is 
induced on the skin of some persons by substan- 
ces that are perfectly innocent to others. 

State of the Mind. — Fear, anxiety, and fretful 
temper, occasion and aggravate diseases. In vain 
do we apply medicines to the body, for diseases 
which proceed from the mind. When that is af- 
fected, the best medicine is to soothe the pas- 
sions, to divert the mind from anxious thought, 
19 



218 REMARKS. 

and to keep the patient as easy and cheerful as 
possible. This constitutes a considerable part of 
the duty of those who prescribe medicine for the 
sick. 

Age. — Here it must be observed, that the do- 
ses of medicine mentioned in this work (with 
some exceptions, pointed out in their place) are 
those adapted for an adult ; but as in the two 
extremes of life, childhood and old age, the body 
is weaker, and in early youth, more susceptible 
of all the impressions, these quantities cannot be 
administered with safety in every case ; and hence 
the judgment of the prescriber must be exercised. 

Sex. — Although some women possess as much 
bodily strength and vigor of constitution as the 
majority of men, yet the greater delicacy and 
sensibility of the female frame, at every period of 
life, requires not only caution in apportioning the 
doses of active medicine, which should be less 
than those ordered for men of the same age ; but 
the medicines themselves should be such as are 
likely to fulfill the indications without much vio- 



REMARKS. 219 

lence. The state of the uterine system likewise 
must not be overlooked in prescribing for a fe- 
male. Thus the employment of an aloetic and 
drastic purgative should be suspended during 
the period of pregnancy, as well as all prepara- 
tions of mercury. 

Temperaments. — It is undoubtedly true that 
persons of different temperament or original con- 
firmations of body, are differently affected by the 
operations of medicines. Stimulants more read- 
ily affect those of a sanguine than those of a 
phlegmatic temperament ; and, therefore, smaller 
doses are required. In the phlegmatic, also, 
the bowels are generally torpid, and require both 
a description of purgatives, and such doses as 
would endanger an irritable and delicate consti- 
tution. 

Habit — Habits have considerable influence in 
modifying the operation of medicines. Persons 
addicted to the use of spirits, narcotics, and other 
stimulants, are less easily excited both by med- 
ical stimulants and narcotics. Persons in the 



220 REMARKS. 

daily habit of taking purgatives must take a dif- 
ferent article to produce much effect upon the 
bowels. 

In the employment of medicines which require 
to be long-continued, the beneficial effect is soon 
lost, if the doses are not increased. 

Of the Form and Composition of Prescrip- 
tions. — In every prescription, simplicity should 
be kept in view ; and when such medicine will 
answer the intention of the prescriber, it ought to 
be preferred. 

The nauseous taste, how r ever, and other quali- 
ties of some medicines, require the addition of 
others to modify their taste or action. But, 
although medicines are more generally prescribed 
in a compound form, yet the practice of accumu- 
lating a great variety of ingredients in one pres- 
cription should be avoided. 

Medicines exhibited in a fluid form, operate 
sooner and with more certainty, than in the solid 
state ; but in choosing the vehicle or solvent, 
the taste of the patient must not be overlooked. 



REMARKS. 221 

Syrups do this tolerably well. Medicines which, 
when given alone, produce griping, require the 
addition of aromatics to correct that quality ; 
and when they operate with violence, mucilages 
or opiates are necessary to moderate their action. 
In prescribing purgatives, it is also necessary to 
consider the particular part of the alimentary 
canal on which they immediately act. Thus, rhu- 
barb acts chiefly on the upper part of the bow- 
els ; aloes on the lower, and jalap and senna on 
the whole intestines. 

Another reason for ordering medicines in a 
compound form is, the necessity of producing two 
or more effects at one time. 

Thus, the. same dose may be required in a case 
of colic ; for example, to allay pain, and to open 
the bowels ; or in fever, to determine to the skin, 
to allay irritation, and to produce sleep. But in 
combining medicines, care must be taken not to 
bring together incompatibles, or substances that 
decompose each other, or chemically combine ; 
and consequently, alter the nature of the mix- 



222 REMARKS. 

ture, or render it inert, unless the resulting com- 
pound be the remedy on which the prescriber 
relies. Thus, acids and alkalies are incompati- 
ble, unless the neutral salt be required. 

Doses. — It should be remembered that when 
we speak of a teaspoonful being a dose, one of 
an ordinary size is meant, which is a fluid drachm. 

When a tablespoonful is mentioned, one of an 
ordinary size is also meant, and which is half an 
ounce. 

Pills. — When the weight of pills is not men- 
tioned, those of an ordinary size are meant ; they 
contain usually three or four grains. 

I prefer this method, because it is much more 
convenient than to weigh each time it is necessary 
to administer it, and it is sufficiently accurate for 
all ordinary medicines. When greater accuracy 
is required, the weight and measure will be men- 
tioned. 

Prescriptions. — Every prescription or direc- 
tion for the administration of medicine, except 



REMARKS. 223 

the prescriber gives it himself, should be in wri- 
ting, and that very plain and explicit. 

The quantity to be given, the time when it 
should be given, ought to be particularly men- 
tioned, and the directions ought to be left only 
with the nurse. Many valuable lives have been 
lost for the want of these precautions. 

Cardinal rules in the practice of Medicine to he 
committed to memory. 

1st. As far as practicable, to ascertain the 
disease. 

2nd. What indication or intention to fulfill in 
treating it. 

3d. The best agents or means to accomplish 
this object. 

4th. To administer the medicine at the right 
time, when required. 

5th. Give as little medicine as possible, to 
answer the purpose. 

6th. Give the most simple kinds of com- 
pounds. 

7th. To know when to omit the administration 



224 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS- 

of medicine, and to rely on the resources of na- 
ture, with diet, bathing, regimen, and nursing. 
In these rules consists the principal art of healing 
the sick. 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS OF PLANTS OCCASIONALLY 

USED, AND RECOMMENDED EOR FURTHER 

INVESTIGATION. 

American Columho Hoot, bitter and nauseous ; 
vomits and purges ; tonic, given in weakness of 
the stomach attended with costiveness. 

Motherivort, is nervine, anti-spasmodic, and 
emmenagogue ; useful in hysterics, and to pro- 
mote the menses. Given in the form of tea, it 
is anodyne ; relieves pains peculiar to females. 

Laurd — The powdered leaves are employed 
successfully in tinea capitis, and in certain forms 
of fever. 

Lungwort, found growing on maple trees ; is 
good in coughs and defluxions of the lungs. 

Maiden Hair. — This plant is mucilaginous 
and subastringent ; good in coughs, asthma, pleu- 
risy, jaundice, fevers, &c. 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 225 

Watermelon. — The fruit is a diuretic, and very 
cooling in hot, bilious constitutions. The seeds, 
used in Holland gin, make an excellent medi- 
cine in dropsy, and in suppression of urine. 

Jerusalem Oafa — It is emmenagogue deob- 
struent, and anthelmintic ; the oil is much used 
as a vermifuge. 

Wild Marjoram — Fragrant, pungent, acid, 
bitterish, stomachic, corroborant, detergent, stim- 
ulant, emmenagogue, and diaphoretic ; useful in 
tea, for a cough, asthma, chlorosis, sedema ; the 
distilled oil has all the properties ; it is acid and 
caustic, burns the skin, relieves toothache, &c. 

Broomrape. — Astringent, antiseptic, and anti- 
syphilitic ; useful in obstinate ulcers, apthse, and 
hepatic sores, diarrhoea, and dysentery. 

Partridge Berry — Mild diuretic and emmen- 
agogue ; used in New England to cure dropsy ; 
given in tea. Berries mild astringent, a popu- 
lar remedy in the south for diarrhoea ; and for 
dysura in Carolina ; said to facilitate parturition. 

Red Mulberry — Fruit refrigerant and corrob- 



226 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

oranfc ; useful in sore throat, angina, and putrid 
fevers ; syrup chiefly used. 

Beech Drops — Called also cancer-root. Root 
and stem astringent, bitterish and nauseous ; use- 
ful in cancers ; grows under beech trees. They 
are the basis of Martin's powder, (with white 
arsenic, sulphur, and ranunculus :) a painful rem- 
edy for curing cancers by application, but inju- 
rious in scrofula and scrofulous cancers. 

St. Johrfs-iuort — Is vulnerary, pectoral, pel- 
la nt, nervine ; blossoms chiefly used ; although, 
yellow, they dye oils red ; infused in bear's oil, 
sweet oil, &c. They make a fine balsamic oint- 
ment for wounds, sores, swellings, ulcers, tumors, 
rough skin, &c. A tea of the leaves gives re- 
lief in diseases of the breast and lungs ; used by 
empirics in diarrhoea, hysterics, hypochondria, 
mania, low spirits. 

A syrup made with sage, is a specific for 
coughs. Dose, a tablespoonful for a child twelve 
months old; half, if six months old. 

Corsican Worm-weed. — This plant grows in the 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 227 

coast of the Mediterranean, and especially on the 
Island of Corsica. 

This plant, (the whole of which may be used,) 
is possessed of very powerful vermifuge proper- 
ties, which act very powerfully upon the intesti- 
nal worms. It is principally administered to 
children, for the expulsion of the limbricoid 
worms. 

The dose of the powder is from ten grains to 
two drachms, mixed with honey, &c. 

Cowhage — The operation of this article seems 
to be merely mechanical. It has been found par- 
ticularly useful in expelling the round worm ; 
the spicula irritating and aiding its expulsion by 
wounding it without affecting the intestines. It is 
prepared by dipping the pods in a syrup of mo- 
lasses, and then with a knife, scraping off the 
hairs along with the syrup, until they form a 
mixture of the thickness of honey, to be given 
in doses of from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful 
in the morning, and followed by a brisk cathartic. 

Water Hemlock. — This plant acts in the same 



228 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

manner of the narcotic poisons. It has been 
used of late, by several practitioners, as a sub- 
stitute for the coniuni maculatum. 

The effects were very analogous to those of the 
true hemlock, but rather more powerful. A pri- 
mary symptom which attended a large dose, was 
nausea and vomiting. 

Strong Scented Lettuce. — This plant acts upon 
the nervous system in a manner similar to the 
hyoscyamus : this is the reason why it may be 
substituted in many cases for opium. In suffi- 
ciently large doses, it produces nausea, alvine 
evacuations, and often, especially in cases of 
dropsy, a remarkable increase in the secretion of 
urine. It has been exhibited with success in 
ascites, engorgements of the abdominal viscera, 
jaundice, &c, and as a substitute for opium in 
nervous cases. Extract the dose from two grains 
to one scruple. 

Vervain {Verbena F/astata.) — The roots of 
this plant, when boiled down to a strong decoc- 
tion, and that decoction drank, are very benefi- 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 229 

cial as a tonic in intermittents and scrofula; 
they open obstructions of the viscera, promote 
the menses, and are good in gravelly complaints, 
coughs, wheezing, and to expel worms. They 
should be prepared in strong decoctions, and 
drank freely. 

Yarroiv. — This plant possesses considerable 
medicinal property as a detergent, purifies the 
blood, opens the pores, removes obstructions, &c. 
It stops the spitting of blood, and cures the piles, 
which bleed ; and is also very beneficial in dys- 
entery. It may be given in form of decoction, 
sweetened with honey. 

Wintergreen. — Wintergreen is stimulant, ano- 
dyne, astringent, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, 
diaphoretic, milky, and cordial ; a popular rem- 
edy in many parts of the country. It is gener- 
ally used as a tea ; but the essence and oil pos- 
sess eminently all the properties, and are kept in 
the shops. The oil is used as a disguise to many 
of the popular panaceas. 



230 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

Iceland Moss. — The Iceland moss is given in 
colds and coughs. 

It is soothing and nutritious. Cover a hand- 
ful with saleratus water ; let it stand an hour, 
strain and add a quart of boiling water ; this may 
be sweetened, and add a little lemon juice ; to be 
drank freely. 

Ice Plant — The root of this plant has been 
thought by some, to be an almost infallible rem- 
edy for fits in children. The juice, diluted in 
cold water, is useful in sore eyes. The roots 
should be pulverized, and kept in bottles. Chil- 
dren troubled with fits, may take from half to 
one teaspoonful of the powder, in a cup of piony 
root tea, &c. 

Ground Ivt/.-r—The leaves of this plant, made 
in a decoction, is a good purifier of the blood, a 
pectoral, &c. The decoction is good in consump- 
tion, obstructions, laxity, and debility of the vis- 
cera ; for cleansing and healing ulcers in the 
lungs, kidneys, and other internal parts ; and is 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 231 

likewise a good remedy in jaundice, and asth- 
matic coughs. 

Golden Rod.* — The flowers are aperient and 
corroborant, and the leaves gently astringent. 
The flowers have been found beneficial in remo- 
ving obstructions of the urinary organs, in grav- 
elly complaints, and ulcerations of the bladder; 
are good in vitiation of the humors, and in the 
first stages of dropsy. 

The leaves are good in debility and laxity of 
the viscera or the bowels, and all disorders pro- 
ceeding from that cause. They may be taken 
in infusion or decoction. 

Five Finger (PotentHIa Fejitans.) — The root 
is a gentle astringent, and has been found by ex- 
perience to be very beneficial in fevers, and par- 
ticularly when there is great debility, lassitude, 
and night sweats, which last, it seldom fails to 
check ; it also helps the appetite. It is taken in 
decoction, or may be boiled in milk. 

It is serviceable in allaying fluxes, immoderate 
flow of the menses, &c. 



232 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

Fever Few (Matricaria Pantheniwii) — Leaves 
and flowers — both the wild and garden fever few 
have the same virtues. They are warm, aperient, 
carminative, bitter, and strengthen the stom- 
ach, expel wind, promote the menses, destroy 
worms, and are beneficial in hysterical complaints, 
and lowness of spirits. For a decoction, pour 
two quarts of boiling water on two handfuls of 
the leaves, of which a teaspoonful may be taken 
three or four times a day, in order to promote 
the menses : the same may be taken in colds and 
fevers. In hysterical complaints, a teaspoonful of 
the compound spirits of lavender may be added 
to the above decoction. 

Cleavers {Galium Aparine.) — We copy the fol- 
lowing from Dr. Smith's Botanic Physician : 

"Cleavers is one of the most valuable diuretics 
that our country produces. I have found it an 
excellent and speedy medicine in all suppressions 
of the urine, and gravelly complaints, and is a 
powerful discutient. It has also been found ben- 
eficial in the cure of scurvy and spitting of blood. 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 233 

The expressed juice of this plant, mixed with oat- 
meal to the consistence of a poultice, and applied 
cold, over an indolent tumor, three times a day, 
keeping the bowels open in the meantime by cas- 
tor oil, and taking a tablespoonful of the juice 
every morning, will often disperse it in a few 
days. Infusions of this herb should be made in 
cold water, heat destroying its virtues ; three or 
four ounces of the dried herb to a quart of water 
are sufficient ; this should be drank for a common 
daily drink. It is an admirable remedy in grav- 
elly disorders, often curing them entirely alone. 
It seems to possess a solvent power over the 
stone or gravel, crumbling it into a sandy sub- 
stance, so that it is discharged without difficulty. 
"When urinary obstructions proceed from a 
collection of cold slime, or muddy substances in 
the kidneys or bladder, this effectually clears it 
out in all cases. In inflammatory affections, of 
the kidneys or bladder, the cleavers infusion is 
peculiarly applicable, from its cooling as well as 

diuretic quality. 
20 



234 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

Centaury (Centaurium Minor,) leaves and flow- 
ers. — Centaury is justly esteemed one of the 
most efficacious, bitters, indigenous to the United 
States, and is a good substitute for the English 
gentian, which it resembles in taste. It is a good 
stomachic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, and vermi- 
fuge. Two ounces of the leaves of centaury and 
one ounce of orange peel, may be infused in two 
quarts of brandy for two weeks. 

One tablespoonful of this tincture, taken before 
breakfast, and one before dinner, will create an 
appetite ; and children having worms may take 
two teaspoonfuls or more every morning, which 
will effectually destroy the worms. 

Caraway (Carniim Carui y ) The seeds — This 
plant is cultivated in our gardens, both for me- 
dicinal and culinary purposes. On account of 
their aromatic smell, and warm pungent taste, the 
seeds of caraway may be classed among the finest 
stomachics and carminatives of our climate. To 
persons afflicted with flatulency, and liable to 






BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 235 

colics, if administered- in proper quantities, they 
generally afford considerable relief. 

Striped Bloochvort (Laplialhiim Sanguinum 
Ritbrum.) — The properties of this plant are, anti- 
septic, voluntary, astringent and pectoral. A 
decoction of it drank, will immediately stop im- 
moderate flowing of the menses, and other hem- 
orrhages. The powder of bloodwort, mixed with 
an equal quantity of bloodroot and a little alum, 
and used as snuff for polypus in the nose, fre- 
quently destroying it in the course of a week. 
The decoction of this root, made into a syrup, 
has been found very beneficial in consumptions 
accompanied with spitting of blood. The juice 
of the green leaves of bloodwort, boneset, and rat- 
tlesnake plantain, equal parts, and a gill drank 
at a dose, is said to be an infallible cure for the 
bite of a rattlesnake or any other poisonous rep- 
tile. The bruised leaves should also be applied 
to the wound and changed often. 

Whortleberry (Vacniwn) — This plant is vul- 
garly called "huckleberry," and is familiar to 



236 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

most persons. The fruit is much used and es- 
teemed. The berries contain very considerable 
medicinal properties. They are, with the root, 
strongly diuretic, and seldom fail of relieving or 
curing gravelly and dropsical affections. They 
may be bruised, put in gin, and drank as the 
stomach will bear. 

Horsemint (Monarda Punctata?) — A powerful 
diuretic ; a strong tea drank, affords immediate 
relief in gravel and suppression of urine. It re- 
stored one person, aided by the warm bath, when 
other means had failed, and when he had nearly 
lost his senses from pain. The oil is very useful. 

Hemlock Tree. — The bark, gum, and leaves, 
are all useful. The leaves are good in inflamma- 
tory* rheumatism, to purify the blood, and to 
produce perspiration ; the tea given freely. The 
gum, four parts, white turpentine, one part, melted 
together, and spread on leather for a plaster, 
are very efficacious to remove pain. 

Spruce. — The leaves and branches make a 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 237 

pleasant and healthy beer, good for scurvy and 
to purify the blood. 

Hollyhock {Althea Rosea.) — The flowers are 
astringent. A tea of them and rose leaves is 
useful in fluor albus ; may be drank freely. 

Culvers Physic (JLeptrandria Virginica^) — 
Called blackroot, brintonroot, bowmanroot, &c. A 
good purgative ; it operates with mildness and 
certainty, without debility. In typhus and bili- 
ous fever, it is said to remove black, tarry, 
and morbid matter from the intestines. Dose, 
a large teaspoonful in half a gill of boiling water, 
sweetened. If it does not operate in three hours, 
repeat. 

Balm of Gilead (Popidiis Balsamifera.) — The 
buds from the tree are filled with a rich balsamic 
gum, which is good in coughs and debility ; to 
one ounce of the bruised buds, add one pint of 
fourth proof spirits ; dose, from a tea to a table- 
spoonful, three or four times a day, in sweetened 
water. Excellent for cuts and wounds. 

Sweet Clover — A very handsome and fra- 



238 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

grant plant, cultivated in gardens. The bruised 
plant, simmered with fresh butter or lard, and a 
little rosin added, makes a valuable salve for all 
kinds of ulcers. 

Siveet Fern {Comtonia Asplenifolid) — Altera- 
tive, astringent, and tonic. When the bloody 
flux prevailed in Rhenebeck, in 1781, and swept 
off the inhabitants daily, an infusion of this herb 
cured all that drank it. A strong tea expelled 
a tape-worm from a person in Rhode Island. 
The tea is good to check night sweats ; it also 
makes a pleasant beer. 

Adder s Tongue {Eryihronum Americaniurn)— 
Dog-tooth, violet, snake-leaf, rattlesnake violet, 
yellow snowdrop, &c. It is stated that this plant 
is a remedy for the scrofula ; the fresh leaves and 
root are stewed in milk, and applied to the scrof- 
ulous sores as a poultice, which heals them speedi- 
ly ; a tea of the same is to be drank at the same 
time. 

PricJdy Ash (Xanthoxylwn) — Both the bark 
and berries are used. They are good, in the 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 239 

form of tea, to purify the blood ; useful in chron- 
ic rheumatism, pain in the breast, and debility. 

Nanny Berry or Bush ; Black Thorn — Good 
for sore mouth and throat. 

American Sarsaparitta (Arcdia Nudicaulis) — 
Alterative ; equally as good to purify the blood 
as foreign sarsaparilla. Old Dr. Bull considers 
it superior to the latter. 

Smart Weed {Polygonum Hydropiper) — A tea 
of this is good to stop vomiting. A decoction 
is exceedingly good to reduce swelling, by apply- 
ing it as a fomentation, simmered in vinegar. 

It soon removes the black and blue spots in 
bruises, and is valuable in sprains. 

Marsh Rosemary — Grows only in salt marshes. 
A powerful astringent : useful in bowel complaints, 
fluor albus, &c. ; make a tea and drink. Good 
also for gargle in the mouth. 

Yaw Root, Muscovy, Coclt-up Hat, Queen's De- 
light, {jStillingia Sylvaticu) — Large root ; purga- 
tive, alterative, anti- venereal. Valuable in yaws, 
ulcers, venereal, and leprosy. Said to be an in- 



240 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

gredient in Swain's panacea. Make a syrup or 
decoction, and take sufficient to act as a laxative. 

Mountain Mint [Melissa Grandifiora] — Stimu- 
lant and sudorific. 

The tea of it is useful in colds, and is said to 
relieve the gravel when other means fail. A hot 
tea also returns the menses, with bathing the feet. 

D evil's Bit [Veratrum LutiumS] — This plant 
rises two or three feet high, with round, green, 
smooth stalk, with many long, smooth, green 
leaves, nipped at the edges ; at the end of each 
branch stands a round head of numerous small 
blue flowers. Grows in meadow r s and moist pla- 
ces. Numerous fibres shoot from the root, which 
are small and indented. This root is useful in 
pains of the breast, colic, and wind. Half a 
teaspoonful may be taken of the pow 7 der in mo- 
lasses, or in tea, or bitters. This root no doubt 
possesses great medicinal properties. 

Blessed Thistle, Holy Thistle [_Car dates Bene- 
dict us.~] — An annual plant, cultivated in gardens - 
for beauty, both in England and America • leaves 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 241 

with sharp, barbed points or prickles; yellow 
flowers. Makes a good bitters to strengthen the 
system, and excellent to excite perspiration in 
fevers, in the form of tea. It cured a case of 
yellow fever given up as hopeless. 

Nettle \Urtica Dioica.'] — The juice is astrin- 
gent, and good in gravel, bleeding of any kind, 
and when snuffed up the nose, checks bleeding. 
A tea is good for those who pass bloody urine, 
and for incipient consumption. 

White Hellebore [Veratram A!bam.~\ — Grows by 
the side of brooks, and is among the first plants 
seen in the spring, with large green leaves. A 
few grains of the powder causes a continual sneez- 
ing. An ointment cures the itch, scald head 
and other eruptions. 

A substance called veratria, is made from it, 
which is powerful to deaden pain. 

Butternut \JugJans Cinered] — An extract of 
the bark, formed into pills the size of a pea, with 
a little essential oil, makes a very good purga- 
tive : about four are a dose. 
21 



242 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

Cubebs, pulverized, are useful in discharges 
from the urethra, gleet, &c. Dose, teaspoonful 
three times a day, in molasses or in sweetened 
water. 

Sweet Gale [Myrica Gale.'] — A tea is said to 
be a cure for the piles. 

White Bryony [Bryonia AVbd\ — A drastic pur- 
gative; Sydenham used it in dropsy. An extract 
may be made into pills, and give sufficient to 
purge freely, for dropsy and suppression of the 
urine. 

Common Raspberry. — A tea made of the leaves 
is used for canker. 

Virginia Speedwell [Veronica Officinalis^ — 
Highly recommended for dropsy. Make a tea 
and drink freely. 

Wild Parsley \Peirosdiniiim\ — A warm and 
powerful diuretic. Very efficacious in chronic 
inflammation of the bladder and prostate gland, 
suppression of urine, gravel, &c. Add one ounce 
of the seeds to one pint of best Holland gin, and 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 243 

take half a wine glass full four or five times a 
day ; or a decoction may be taken. 

Uva Ursa. — Good in the same complaints as 
the above, and in ulcerations of the kidneys and 
bladder. A tea to be freely drank. 

Yelloiv Par ilia [3£enispermum~] — Grows plen- 
tifully in the western States, and is highly re- 
commended for purifying the blood. Make a 
tea and drink freely. 

Fever Bush, Wild Allspice, Spice Wood. — A 
tea of it is recommended in fevers, particularly 
of an inflammatory type. 

Fleabane, Coifs Tail, (Erigeron Canadense) — 
A strong styptic. 

Excellent to stop bleeding from wounds, in 
form of powder ; the tea is good to check any kind 
of internal bleeding, especially of the lungs ; drink 
it cold. 

Croton Oil — Procured from a tree in the East 
Indies. Yery efficacious in severe constipation, 
where other means fail of procuring a passage, 



244 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

as in colic. From one to three drops are a dose, 
on sugar or in milk, every two hours. 

Bird Weedy Man in the Ground — One foot 
high, creeping, large root, deep in the earth ; 
flowers bell shaped, white, with a purple tinge. 
Sometimes grows as large as a person's leg. A 
purgative and diuretic. Has been found useful 
in coughs, asthma, debility and dropsy. A syr- 
up of this root and of balm of gilead buds, is very 
beneficial in weakly, consumptive diseases. 

Calamus, Siveet Flag, — A tea of this is excel- 
lent in flatulence, colic, wind. 

Agrimony. — A tea of this is highly recom- 
mended for asthma, scrofula, gravel and eruptions 
of the skin. 

Blue Cardinal Flower {Lobelia Syphilitica) — 
A milky plant, and grows plentifully in the 
western States ; said to be diuretic, cathartic, 
sudorific, purgative, and anti-venereal, and good 
in bowel complaints ; from half to a table spoon- 
ful of the pulverized root, taken in water, and 
repeated if necessary. 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 245 

Pimpernel — Foreign and American plant ; a 
decoction is recommended for cleansing ulcers. 

Cinquefoi!, Five-Finger — A tea lias been found 
useful in fevers, and to check bowel complaints. 

Crosswort (Coucata.) — A tea is said to be 
useful in coughs, by promoting expectoration. 

Feather Few. — A common garden plant; a 
tea of it, freely drank, expels wind, promotes the 
menses, and relieves hysterics and low spirits. 

Frostivort (Cistus Canadensis^) — Said to be a 
remedy for the king's evil ; make a poultice and 
apply : also make a tea and drink freely ; this is 
said to have cured a number. Sometimes called 
Rock Rose. 

Fumitory (Fumaria Officinalis.) — A tonic bit- 
ter, anti-scorbutic, and good for cutaneous erup- 
tions. Make a tea and drink freely, and wash 
the parts with the same. 

Wild and Garden Lettuce. — The extract, with- 
out causing costiveness, is an anodyne, and allays 
coughs ; take two or three pills, occasionally. 



246 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

Horseweed, JStoneroot, Ox Balm, Hardbach— 
A decoction is recommended for the gravel. 

Life Root — Says Henry, "I have found it a 
sure cure for all complaints of the gravel, and 
pains in the breast." Is a febrifuge and a power- 
ful diuretic ; take a teacupful of the tea three 
times a day. He has cured numerous cases of 
the gravel by it. 

Masterwort. — Expectorant and laxative ; 
"Good," says Henry, "in colic, indigestion, asth- 
ma, cold, catarrh and ague ;" take a teacupful of 
the tea three times a day. 

Magwort. — A woman who was affected with 
hysteric fits, for several years, was perfectly 
cured by taking a teaspoonful of the powdered 
leaves three times a day, after she had tried vari- 
ous other medicines. It is recommended for 
worms, and to promote the menses and urine. 

Common Sorrel. — An inspissated juice makes 
a plaster which destroys tumors and incipient 
cancers ; to be applied on leather ; it is very pain- 
ful to bear. 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 247 

Scabious. — Excellent to purify the blood in 
all skin diseases. A syrup of it promotes expec- 
toration in dry coughs ; it is diuretic and em- 
menagogue. 

Snakeweed Polygonum Bistorta. — This root 
makes a good gargle in sore mouth, and is a 
powerful astringent ; stops all discharges by the 
womb or bowels ; to be given in tea, or powder. 

Soapwort {Saponaria Officinalis^) — A strong 
decoction, given freely, cures the jaundice and 
obstructions of the liver, and purifies the blood. 

Stinking Goosefoot (ChenopodinmFetidum.) — 
Anti-spasmodic ; better in hysterics than assa- 
foetida. 

Sweet Sicily. — Valuable in syrup for pain in 
the breast, coughs, and consumption. A tea- 
spoonful or two of the powders is recommended 
for worms ; to be given in molasses night and 
morning. 

Spleemvort — Laxative ; good in jaundice, hec- 
tic fever, nervous debility, and weakness of the 
bowels ; make a tea and drink freely. 



248 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

Averts Root (G-eum Virginianum.) — Called 
chocolate root throat root, cure-all ; a powerful 
astringent and a good tonic. A strong decoction, 
sweetened, is useful in all cases of debility, dys- 
pepsia, bleeding at the lungs, relax, colic, and 
sore throat. Dr. Randon Lapham, of this city, 
(New York,) informs me that this is the best 
article he uses for uterine hemorrhage or flood- 
ing, and always gives it with success. Make a 
strong tea, and give freely and often. 

Betony {Betonia Officinalis?) — Emetic and ca- 
thartic ; recommended for gout and rheumatism ; 
take a cup of the tea three or four times a day. 

Snakehead {Chdone Glabra?) — Is good to ex- 
pel worms ; make a tea and drink ; after a few 
days give a purge. 

Snake-root, Rattlesnake-root, Cornsnake-root, 
(Eryngiwn Aqaaticwn.)—K powerful diuretic and 
expectorant ; good in dropsy and gravel ; make a 
tea and drink freely. The root, bruised or chewed, 
and laid on the wound, cures the bite of the 
snake. 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 249 

Cow Parsnip {Heraeleum Sphondylium!) — 
Recommended in epilepsy and flatulence ; give 
freely a strong decoction. 

Thimble Weed {RuebuMa Lauinata.) — Diuretic 
and balsamic ; recommended in wasting diseases 
of the kidneys ; give freely, in decoction. 

Lavender. — A common garden plant ; aro- 
matic, carminative, pectoral and nervine. The 
flowers enter into the lavender compound. 

Mountain Dittany, Horsemint, Stonemint, Wild 
Basil, Sweet Horsemint — Stimulant, nervine, 
sudorific, cephalic, and aromatic. This plant is 
popular for colds, headache, and in all cases where 
it is necessary to excite perspiration. Good for 
nervous headache, hysterics, and suppressed 
menses and urine. 

Mouse Ear \Hier actum Pilosella^-The decoc- 
tion, drank freely, is good in jaundice, relieves 
the stone and griping in the bowels, and makes 
a good gargle for sore throat. 

Persimmon Bark. — A decoction is good to in- 



250 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

ject into wounds, where there is a discharge of 
sinew water. Very astringent. 

Prince s Pine (Pipsissiway.) — A tea to purify 
the blood, is used. * 

Rue, Garden. — A tonic bitter. 

Tivin Leaf Jeffersonia (Piphytta.) — Grown in 
the west, and is highly recommended for rheu- 
matism. Add two ounces of the dried root to 
one quart of spirits ; dose, a tablcspoonful three 
times a day. 

White or Yellow Pond Lily. — A decoction, 
mixed with elm bark, makes a very good poul- 
tice for white swelling, king's evil, and other 
swellings. 

False Cromwell, Wild JoVs Tears, Gravel 
Weed, (Onos Madium Hispidum.) — Dr. A. Rob- 
inson of Indiana, says that this plant is a sol- 
vent for the stone. Steep the roots and seeds 
in water, and drink freely. 

Ginseng. — A pleasant tonic for weakness of 
the stomach. 

Nephritic Plant, Cutting Almond — [Partheni- 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 251 

um Integrifolium). — A tea is recommended for 
the stoppage of urine in gravel and stone. 

Water Plantain* — Plantago Cor data. — Boil the 
root till soft, mash them, and apply as a poul- 
tice. Removes inflammation, reduces swelling 
and cleanses and heals the most foul and invete- 
rate ulcers. 

Greek Valerian, Abscess Boot, Blue Beds, 

Sweat-root {Polemonium Beptans) — Howard, 
in his medical work, attaches extraordinary vir- 
tues to this plant ; he says the Indians make a 
tea of the root and drink freely in fevers, pleu- 
risy, and where they wish to produce copious 
perspiration ; it cleanses the blood of humors. 
A person alleges, that we will find this plant ex- 
cellent for consumption, and all affections of the 
lungs and liver. It is stated, that many cases 
of consumption have been cured by it ; deserves 
further trial. 

Figtvort Square Stalk, Carpenters Square, 
Heal All — -Seroplmlaria Marylandica. — "A tea, 
drank freely," says Smith, restores the lochial 



252 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

discharges, and relieves the pains of difficult 
menstruation. 

American Gentian. — A good tonic. 

Wolfs Bane, Leopard's Bane {Aconite?) — Nar- 
cotic ; the extract is used to relieve pain ; dose 
three or four grains. 

Blue Violet — ( Viola Odorata.) — Demulcent 
tonic, and laxative ; recommended in tea-spoon- 
ful doses, for the piles. 

Lily of the Valley. — (Convallaria Mejalis) — 
The root and flowers in extract, purge like aloes. 
Black Ash Bark — With the extract of the bark 
I once cured one of the most inveterate cases of 
salt-rheum, when other means failed. Spread 
and apply as a plaster. 

Benne Plant. — An annual plant. A few leaves, 
dipped in cold water, make a clear mucilage, 
which has been highly extolled for bowel com- 
plaints of children ; used as a common drink. 

Cramp Bark, High Cranberry {Vaccininm Ox- 
ycoccos.) — Anti-spasmodic. A strong tea drank 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 253 

freely, is very effectual in relaxing cramps, and 
spasms of all kinds. 

Water Bushes.* — A popular medicine for grav- 
el, dropsy, and suppression of urine • make a 
tea, and drink freely. 

Tag, or Spotted Alder. — Alterative. Make a 
tea and drink often, for the blood. 

Water Fennel. — In doses of five grains, pulver- 
ized, given three times a day, is recommended 
for consumption. 

Labrador Tea — Ledum Latifolium. — Diur- 
etic, balsamic. 

Sweet Balsam, Life Everlasting. — A tea is 
good for pain in the breast, weakness of the 
lungs, and in consumption, stranguary, gravel, 
and fluor-albus Excellent to excite perspira- 
tion. 

Horse Badisli. — Grated root in cider, good in 
chronic rheumatism, palsy, dropsy and debility. 
Leaves applied to the bowels and feet, relieve 
colic and swelling. 

Flower de Luce, Blue Flag — (Tris Versicolor.) 



254 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

The root in decoction, promotes discharge by 
urine, and relieves dropsy. 

Cat-tail, Flag-root — Simmer till soft, and ap- 
ply as a poultice for inflammation. 

Balm. — A pleasant and cooling tea in fevers. 

Crotvfoot Buttercups — {Ranunculus Acris.) — 
The bruised root applied to the skin, produces a 
blister. Good where a blister is required, in di- 
seases of the joints, and old deep-seated pains. 
When eruptions strike in, it may be applied to 
redden the skin without blistering. 

Prickly Pear. — Scrape the inner part, and 
apply to ulcers, twice a day till cured. For 
corns, bathe the foot in ley-water, pare off the 
corns, and apply on linen, till cured. 

Fennel Seed. — A tea useful to expel wind in 
adults or infants. 

Garlic. — A syrup good for coughs and in- 
flammation of the lungs, particularly in infants ; 
also to apply to the feet in inflammation. 

Ginger. — A warm aromatic root. In syrup 
or tea, is good to relieve pain arising from wind. 



■ 



BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 255 

Parsley. — Excellent to promote a discharge 
in suppression of urine from any cause. 

Orange. — The juice is good to swallow in fe- 
ver. The external part makes a useful tonic 
bitter, to promote an appetite. 

Lemon. — The juice mixed with water, and 
sweetened with loaf sugar, is very cooling in 
fever. 

Cinnamon. — Useful in flatulence and bowel 
complaints. Enters into the lavender compound. 

Hyssop. — A tea used for colds. 

Gam- Ar alio Water. — A fine mucilage for 
stranguary and scalding urine. 

Tobacco. — A tea used for injection in severe 
constipation of the bow r els, and worms of the rec- 
tum. 

Nutmeg. — Similar to cinnamon. 

Tincture of Hops. — Saturate alcohol with the 
pollen of hops. 

Dose. — From one to tw r o teaspoonfuls, in milk. 

Use. — Useful in after-pains, where opium can 
not be taken. 



256 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 

Tincture of Castor. — Take of castor, 2 oz; 
Spirits, 1 quart. Let it digest one week. 

Use. — Useful in nervous diseases, and sup- 
pressed menses. 

Anti- Spasmodic Tincture. — Take of tincture 
of lobelia 1 pint; of tincture of capsicum 
1 do ; compound tincture of valerian or ner- 
vine, 3 gills. Mix and bottle for use. 

Dose. — From a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, 
in a gill of water or herb tea ; to be given' every 
twenty minutes. 

Use. — Dr. Booth of Alabama, states that he 
fcund it an infallible remedy for fever and ague. 
He gives a teaspoonful just before the cold fit 
or stage of the disease ; to be repeated every 
twenty minutes until nausea or vomiting takes 
place. 

This tincture is also recommended for fits, 
spasms, and all violent attacks of disease ; sus- 
pended animation from drowning, hanging, 
lightning, or any other cause. 



air. 257 

AIR. 

Few are aware of the effect of air in producing 
disease, or the promotion of health. It is the 
principal medium by which, animal life is sup- 
ported ; and so necessary is it for this purpose, 
that life cannot exist a moment without it ; as 
will appear by placing an animal in the exhaus- 
ted receiver of an air pump. Impure air is a 
very common cause of disease. Where it is very 
impure, it proves fatal suddenly ; and where it 
is mixed with that w r hich is pure, the effect of it 
on the system soon becomes perceptible. In- 
deed, it would appear that most disorders pro- 
ceed from unwholesome air, or an atmosphere high- 
ly charged with deleterious gases. 

The influenza, which often occurs as an epi- 
demic, is caused by it ; seizing thousands of 
persons and spreading over extensive districts. 
The Indian Cholera, so highly pestilential, is 
communicated by an impure atmosphere. Also 

the intermittent, remittent, and yellow fevers. 
22 



258 air. 

Cities, towns, and villages, have been almost de- 
populated, by reason of unwholesome air received 
into the circulation through the medium of the 
lungs. 

When we reflect upon the quantity of atmos- 
pheric air which a single person renders impure, 
or unfit for exhalation, we shall see the danger 
arising from the air of crowded assemblies. 

It is computed, that a man destroys the vital 
portion of a gallon of air per minute. To test 
this, let an animal be confined in a jar of com- 
mon air, perfectly closed ; in a short time the 
exhalation of it absorbs i he oxygen, and leaves 
only the nitrogen and a small proportion of car- 
bonic acid gas, which being incapable of support- 
ing combustion, soon takes the life of the ani- 
mal. In the same manner, the health of people 
is impaired, by being cofined in jails or prisons, 
or being in crowded assemblies, or sleeping in 
close rooms, and where there are a number of 
others. It is owing to this, that close stoves 
prove so injurious. They destroy the vital por- 



air. 259 

tion of the air, so indispensable to health and 
life ; while the remaining impure air is inhaled; 
and the consequence is, headache, languor, and 
other ill effects. Those who are obliged to use 
small stoves, should place a vessel of water upon 
them, which in a great measure, qualifies the 
air. 

A free circulation of air, can be obtained by 
the windows, either by letting them down, or 
raising them up ; and no cotton or sand-bags 
should ever be applied to obstruct the air around 
the windows in the winter season. I sleep with 
one, (and if not too much wind) two windows 
down constantly, without receiving the least in- 
jury ; but on the contrary, I think, with much 
benefit. A noted physician was so impressed 
with the importance of this subject, that he slept 
with his windows open during the whole year. 
In the winter, snow was often found upon his 
bed. He considered "pure air of vital impor- 
tance to health." 

The most delicate and neat person, having 



260 air. 

passed the night in his bed-chamber, does not 
when he awakes, discover any oppressive smell 
in his room ; but if he leaves and returns to it, 
after having been in the open air, before fresh 
air has been admitted, he will quickly discover 
an essential difference. 

The perspiration is often obstructed by night 
air; even in summer, this should be avoided. 
The dews which fall plentifully after the hottest 
day, make the night air more dangerous, than 
when the weather is cool. Hence in warm coun- 
tiies, the evening dews are more hurtful than 
where the climate is more temperate. It is very 
agreeable after a warm day, to be abroad in a cool 
evening ; but this is a pleasure to be avoided by 
all who value their health. 

The effects of evening dews are gradual in- 
deed, and almost imperceptible ; but they are 
not the less to be dreaded ; we therefore advise 
mothers and their little children, not to expose 
themselves to the evening air without their bon- 
nets sufficiently large enough to protect the 



air. • 261 

head, and sufficient clothing to not suffer a check 
of perspiration ; also laborers that have been 
heated through the day, and travelers, carefully 
avoid the night air. The fresh air is necessary 
for those in health ; it is still more important 
for those confined by sickness, who often lose 
their lives for want of it. The idea that the sick 
must be kept so very warm, is so common, that 
a person is uncomfortable the moment they en- 
ter the sick chamber where the patient lies. 
How this must affect the sick, any one may 
judge. No medicine is so beneficial to the sick 
as fresh air. It is the most reviving of all cor- 
dials, if it be administered with prudence. 

We would not however, throw open doors and 
windows at random upon the sick. Fresh air is 
to be let into the chamber gradually, and if possi- 
ble, by opening the windows of another apart- 
ment. The air of a sick person's chamber, may 
be greatly freshened, and the patient much re- 
lieved, by sprinkling the floor, bed, &c, frequent- 



262 • air 

ly with vinegar, or any strong acid, lemon juice, 

etc., etc. 

The air upon the sea, and in its neighborhood 
is generally distinguished by its greater cold- 
ness, purity and sharpness ; it therefore in many 
cases, is directed to patients whose complaints do 
not affect their respiration, and who have vigor 
of constitution, enough to derive benefit from 
the stimulus which such air occasions. 

A residence by the sea-side is beneficial to 
persons of a scrofulous habit, and debilitated 
constitution, provided they take care not to ex- 
pose themselves to cold and damp ; and in the 
fine season, when there is no reason against it, 
they ought to bathe. In complaints of the chest, 
the use of sea-bathing, and a residence near the 
sea, are more questionable ; and by such, an in- 
land rural situation, in a mild equable climate, 
is to be preferred. A sea voyage has long been 
famous for its good effects at the commencement 
of consumptive complaints ; and these good ef- 
fects may be ascribed partly to the good air at 



EXERCISE. 263 

sea, partly to the affection of the stomach and 
skin induced by sea sickness, and the excite- 
ment of the mind, caused by change of scene 
and occupation. 



EXERCISE. 

Many people look upon the necessity of man's 
earning his bread by labor, as a curse. But I 
think, it a great blessing to the body and mind. 
Be this as it may, it is evident from the struc- 
ture of the body, that exercise is not less neces- 
sary than food for the preservation of health; 
those whom poverty obliges to labor for daily 
bread, are not only the most healthy, but gener- 
ally the most happy part of mankind. Industry 
seldom fails to place them above want, and ac- 
tually serves them instead of physic. This is 
peculiarly the case with those who live by the 
culture of the ground. The great increase of 
inhabitants in infant colonies, and the longevity 
of such as follow agriculture, every where evi- 



264 EXERCISE. 

dently prove it to be the most healthy as well 
as the most useful employment. 

The love of activity shows itself very early in 
man. So strong is this principle, that a healthy 
child cannot be restrained from exercise, even 
by the fear of punishment. Our love of motion 
is surely a strong proof of its utility. Nature 
implants no disposition in vain. It seems to be 
a catholic law throughout the whole animal crea- 
tion, that no creature without exercise, should 
enjoy health, or be able to find subsistence. 
Every creature except man, takes as much as 
necessary. He alone, and such animals as are 
under his direction, deviate from this original 
law, and they suffer accordingly. 

Inactivity never fails to induce an universal 
relaxation of the solids which disposes the body 
to innumerable diseases. When the solids are 
relaxed, neither the digestion nor any of the se- 
cretions can be performed. In this case, the 
worst consequences must ensue. How can per- 
sons who loll all day in easy chairs, and sleep 



EXERCISE. 265 

all night on beds of down, fail to be relaxed 
Nor do such greatly mend the matter by riding 
in their easy carriages. 

Exercise on horse back is very beneficial, and 
should be more generally practised, as the 
Hygeian method for health. 

Glandular obstructions, now so common, gen- 
erally proceed from inactivity. Temperance and 
exercise, are the two best physicians in the w r orld 
and if duly regarded, we should scarce need 
another. 

These are the most obstinate maladies. So long 
as the liver, kidneys and other glands, duly per- 
form their functions, health is seldom impaired ; 
but when they fail, nothing can restore it. Ex- 
ercise is almost the only cure we know for glan- 
dular obstructions; indeed it does not always 
succeed as a remedy ; but there is reason to be- 
lieve that it would seldom fail to prevent these 
complaints, were it used in due time. One thing 
is certain, that among those who take sufficient 

exercise, glandular diseases are very little known; 
23 



266 EXERCISE. 

whereas the indolent and inactive, are seldom 
free from them. 

Weak nerves are the constant companions of 
inactivity. Nothing but exercise and open air 
can brace and strengthen the nerves, or prevent 
the endless train of diseases, which proceed from 
a relaxed state of these organs. We seldom 
hear the active or laborious complain of ner- 
vous diseases; these are reserved for the sons 
of ease and affluence. Many have been com- 
pletely cured of these disorders by being reduced 
from a state of opulence, to labor for their daily 
bread. 

This plainly points out the sources from whence 
nervous diseases flow, and the means by which 
they may be prevented. 

It is absolutely impossible to enjoy health, 
where the perspiration is not duly carried on ; 
but that can never be the case, where exercise 
is neglected. When the matter which ought to 
be thrown off by perspiration is retained in the 
body, it vitiates the humors, and occasions the 






EXERCISE. 267 

gout, fevers, rheumatism, &c. Exercise alone 
would prevent many of these diseases which can 
not be cured, and would remove others, where 
medicine proves ineffectual. 

A late author, in his excellent treatise on 
health, says that the weak and valetudinary 
ought to make exercise a part of their religion. 
We would recommend this, not only to the weak 
and valetudinary, but to all whom business does 
not oblige to take sufficient exercise, as seden- 
tary artificers, shop keepers, studious persons, 
&c. Such ought to use exercise as regularly as 
they take food. This might be done in general, 
without any interruption to business, or real loss 
of time. 

No piece of indolence hurts the health more 
than the modern custom of lying a-bed too long 
in the morning. This is the general practice in 
great towns. The inhabitants of cities seldom 
rise before eight or nine o'clock ; but the morn- 
ing is undoubtedly the best time for exercise 
while the stomach is empty, and the body re- 



268 EXERCISE. 

freshed with sleep. Besides, the morning air 
braces and strengthens the nerves, and in some 
measure answers the purpose of a cold bath. 

Let any one who has been accustomed to lie 
a-bed till eight, rise at five o'clock, and spend a 
couple of hours in walking, or riding on horse- 
back, or any active diversion without doors, and 
he will find his spirits cheerful and serene through 
the day, appetite keen, his body braced and 
strengthened ; and all of the animal creation 
welcomes the rising of the glorious king of day, 
each one in their own sphere; and shall man 
created in the image of God, fail to join in the 
general anthem of praise and adoration. Custom 
soon renders early rising agreeable, and nothing 
contributes more to the preservation of health. 

The inactive are continually complaining of 
pains in the stomach, flatulence, indigestion, &c. 
These complaints, which pave the way to many 
others, are not to be removed by medicine. 
They can only be cured by a vigorous course of 



EXERCISE. 269 

exercise, to which indeed they seldom fail to 
yield. 

Exercise if possible, ought always to be taken 
in the open air. When that cannot be done 
various methods may be contrived for exercising 
the body within doors, as the graces, cup and ball 
&c. It is not necessary to allude to any par- 
ticular kind of exercise. The best way is to 
take them by turns, to use that longest which is 
most suitable to the strength of the constitution. 
Those kinds of exercise which give action to most 
of the bodily organs, are always to be preferred ; 
as walking, running, riding, digging, rubbing 
furniture, and such like. 

It is much to be regretted, that many active 
diversions are now so little practised. Diver- 
sions make people take more exercise than they 
otherwise would do, and are of the greatest ser- 
vice to such as are not under the necessity of 
laboring for their bread. 

As active diversions lose ground, those of a 
sedentary kind seem to prevail Sedentary di- 



270 EXERCISE. 

versions are of no other use, but to consume 
time. Instead of relieving the mind, they often 
require more thought than either study or busi- 
ness. 

Every thing that induces people to sit still, 
unless it be some necessary employment, ought 
to be avoided. 

The diversions which afford the best exer- 
cise, are hunting, shooting, playing cricket, hand 
ball, &c. These exercise the limbs, promote 
perspiration, and the other secretions. They 
likewise strengthen the lungs, and give firmness 
and agility to the whole body. 

Such as can, ought to spend two or three 
hours a day on horse back ; those who cannot 
ride, should spend the same time in walking. 
Exercise should never be continued too long. 
Over fatigue prevents the bene&t of exercise, 
and instead of strengthening the body, tends to 
weaken it. 

Every man and woman should lay themselves 
under some sort of necessity to take exercise. 



EXERCISE. 271 

Indolence, like other vices when indulged, gains 
ground, and at length becomes agreeable. Hence 
many who were fond of exercise in the early part 
of life, become quite averse to it afterwards. 

This is the case with most hypochondriac and 
gouty people, which renders their diseases in a 
great measure incurable. 

In some countries, laws have been made, 
obliging every man of whatever rank, to learn 
some mechanical business. Whether such laws 
were designed for the preservation of health, or 
the encouragement of manufacture, is a question 
of no importance. 

Certain it is, that if gentlemen were frequent- 
ly to amuse and exercise themselves in this way, 
it might have many good effects. 

They would at least derive as much honor 
from a few masterly specimens of their own work- 
manship, as from the character of having ruined 
most of their compan'ons by gaming or drinking. 
Besides, men of leisure, by applying themselves 



272 SLEEP. 

to the mechanical arts, might improve them, to 
the great benefit of society. 

Indolence not only occasions diseases, and 
renders men useless to society, but promotes all 
manner of vice. To say a man is idle, is little 
better than to call him vicious. The devil a 
fishing said, "the idler took the naked hook." 
The mind if not engaged in some useful pursuit, is 
constantly in quest of idle pleasures, or im- 
pressed with the apprehension of some imaginary 
evil. 

From these sources proceed most of the mis- 
eries of mankind. Certainly man was never in 
tended to be idle. Inactivity frustrates the very 
design of his creation ; whereas an active life is 
the best guardian of virtue and the greatest pre- 
servative of health. 



SLEEP. 

Sleep as well as diet, ought to be duly regu- 
lated. Too little sleep weakens the nerves, ex- 
hausts the spirits, and occasions diseases ; and 



SLEEP. 273 

too much renders the mind dull, the body gross, 
and disposes to apoplexies, lethargies, and other 
complaints of a similar nature. A medium 
ought therefore to be observed ; but this is not 
easy to fix. Children require more sleep than 
grown persons, the laborious than the idle, and 
such as eat and drink freely, than those who live 
abstemiously. Besides, the real quantity of 
sleep cannot be measured by time ; as one per- 
son will be more refreshed by four or six hours 
sleep, than another by eight or ten. 

Children may be allowed to sleep as much as 
they please ; but for adults, six or seven hours is 
certainly sufficient, and no one ought to exceed 
eight. Those who lie a-bed more than eight 
hours, may slumber, but they can rarely be said 
to sleep ; such, generally toss and dream away 
the lone part of the night, sink to rest towards 
morning, and dose till noon. The best way to 
make sleep sound and refreshing, is to rise be- 
times. The custom of lying a-bed for nine or 
ten hours, not only makes the sleep less refresh- 



274 SLEEP. 

ing, but relaxes the solids, and greatly weakens 
the constitution. Nature points out night, as 
the season proper for sleep. Nothing more cer- 
tainly destroys the constitution, than night watch- 
ing. It is a great pity that a practice so des- 
tructive to health, should be so much in fashion. 
How quickly the want of rest in due season will 
blast the most blooming complexion, or ruin the 
best constitution, is evident from the ghastly 
countenances of those who, as the phrase is, turn 
day into night, and night into day. 

To make sleep refreshing, the following things, 
are requisite. First to take sufficient exercise 
in the open air; to avoid strong tea and coffee; 
next, to take a light supper ; and lastly, to lie 
down with a mind as cheerful and serene as pos- 
sible. 

It is certain that too much exercise will pre- 
vent sleep, as well as too little. We seldom 
however, hear the active and laborious complain 
of restless nights. It is the indolent and the 
slothful who generally have these complaints. 



SLEEP. 275 

Is it any wonder that a bed of down should not 
be refreshing to a person who sits all day in an 
easy chair ? A great part of the pleasure of 
life consists in alternate rest and motion; but 
they who neglect the latter, can never relish the 
former. The laborer enjoys more true luxury 
in plain food and sound sleep, than is to be found 
in sumptuous tables and downy pillows, where 
exercise is wanting. 

That light suppers cause sound sleep, is true 
even to a proverb. Many persons, if they ex- 
ceed the least at that meal, are sure to have un- 
easy nights ; and if they fall asleep, the load and 
oppression on their stomach and spirits, occasion 
frightful dreams, broken and disturbed repose, 
night-mare, &c. 

When the same persons go to bed with a light 
supper, or sit up till that meal was pretty well 
digested, they would enjoy sound sleep, and rise 
refreshed and cheerful. There are indeed some 
people who cannot sleep, unless they eat some 
solid food at night ; but this does not imply the 



276 SLEEP. 

necessity of a heavy supper ; besides, there are 
generally persons who have accustomed them- 
selves to this method, and who do not take a 
sufficient quantity of solid food and exercise. 
Nothing more certainly disturbs our repose than 
anxiety. When the mind is not at ease, one 
seldom enjoys sound repose. This greatest of 
human blessings flees the wretched, and visits 
the happy, the cheerful, and the gay. 

"Kind nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep I 

He like the world, his ready visit pays ; 
Where fortune smiles ; the wretched he forsakes, 

And lights on lids unsullied by a tear." 

This is a sufficient reason why every man 
should endeavor to be as easy in his mind as 
possible when he goes to rest. Many by indul- 
ging grief and anxious thought, have banished 
sound sleep so long, that they could never af- 
terwards enjoy it. 

Sleep when taken in the forepart of the night 
is generally the most refreshing. Whether this 
be the effect of habit or not, is hard to say ; but 
as most people are accustomed to go early to 



CLOTHING. 277 

bed when young, it may be presumed that sleep 
at this season, will prove most refreshing to 
them ever after. Whether the forepart of the 
night be best for sleep or not, surely the fore- 
part of the day is fittest both for business and 
amusement. I hardly ever knew an early riser, 
who did not enjoy a good state of health. 



CLO THING. 

The dressing ought to be suited to the cli- 
mate. Custom has no doubt a very great influ- 
ence in the article; but no custom can ever 
change the nature- of things so far, as to render 
the same clothing proper for an inhabitant of 
Nova Zembla and the Island of Jamaica. It is 
not indeed necessary to observe an exact pro- 
portion between the quantity of clothes we wear, 
and the latitude which w T e inhabit ; but at the 
same time, proper attention ought to be paid to 
it ; and our clothing should be strictly regulated 
by the change of the weather. 

In youth, while the blood flows freely, and the 



278 CLOTHING. 

perspiration also is free, it is less important to 
cover the body with a great quantity of clothes ; 
but every part should be made comfortable, if even 
unfashionable ; but the plea of parents that chil- 
dren do not suffer with their little bare arms, 
and short clothing in the winter season, is to the 
reflecting mind cruel in the extreme. It is true 
habit reconciles us to many things. But the 
fashion of the present day renders them in their 
degree martyrs ; introducing also deadly diseases, 
such as croup, inflammation of the lungs, inflam- 
mation of the brain, &c. 

But in the decline of life, when the skin becomes 
rigid and the humors more cold, the clothing 
should be increased. Many diseases in the lat- 
ter period of life proceed from a defect of pers- 
piration; these may in some measure, be pre- 
vented by a suitable addition to the clothing, or 
by wearing such as are better calculated for pro- 
moting the discharge from the skin, as clothes 
made from cotton, flannel, &c. 

The clothing ought in all cases to be adapted to 



CLOTHING. 279 

the season of the year. Clothing may be warm 
enough for summer, which is by no means suffi- 
cient for winter. The greatest caution however, 
is necessary in making these changes. We ought 
neither to put off our winter clothing too soon, 
nor wear our summer ones too long. In this 
state the changes of weather are great; and the 
winter comes upon us of a sudden and with rigor; 
and we have frequently cold weather even after 
the commencement of spring. 

It would likewise be prudent not to make the 
change all at once, but do it gradually ; and in- 
deed the changes of apparel in this climate ought 
to be very considerable, especially among those 
who have passed the meridian of life. That colds 
kill more than plagues, is an old proverb ; and 
with regard to this climate, it is strictly true. 

Clothes often become hurtful by their being 
made subservient to the purposes of pride or va- 
nity. Mankind in all ages seem to have con- 
sidered in this view ; accordingly their fashion 



280 CLOTHING. 

and figure are continually varying, with very 
little regard to health, the climate or the conve- 
nience. For example, a farthingale may be con- 
sidered necessary in this country ; but in arctic 
regions they would be exceedingly uncomforta- 
ble. Yes, ridiculous in the cold regions of the 
north. 

Even the human shape is often attempted to 
be mended by dress, and those who know 
no better, believe that mankind would be mon- 
strous without its assistance. All attempts of 
this nature, are highly pernicious. The most 
destructive in this country, is that of squeezing 
the stomach and bow T els into as narrow a com- 
pass as possible, to procure what is falsely a fine 
shape. By this practice the action of the stom- 
ach and bowels, the motion of the heart and lungs 
and almost all the vital functions are obstructed. 
Hence proceed indigestions, syncopes, fainting 
fits, coughs, consumption of the lungs, and other 
complaints, so common among females. 

The feet likewise, often suffer by pressure. 



CLOTHING. 281 

Garters when drawn too tight, not only prevent 
free motion and use of the parts about which 
they are bound, but likewise obstruct the cir- 
culation of the blood, which prevents the equal 
nourishment and growth of these parts, and oc- 
casions various diseases. How a small foot came 
to be reckoned genteel, I will not pretend to say; 
but certain it is,*that this notion has made many 
persons lame. Almost nine-tenths of mankind 
are troubled with corns ; a disease that is sel- 
dom or never occasioned but by tight shoes. 
Corns are not only very troublesome, but by 
rendering people unable to walk, they may like- 
wise be considered as the remote cause of other 
diseases. 

The size and figure of the shoe ought to certain- 
ly be adapted to the feet. In children the feet 
are as well shaped as the hands, and the motion 
of the toes as free and easy as that of the fin- 
gers ; yet few persons in the advanced period of 
life, are able to make any use of their toes. 

They are generally by narrow shoes, squeezed 
24 



282 CLOTHING. 

all of a heap, and often laid over one another 
in such a manner, as to be rendered altogether 
incapable of motion. Nor is the high heel less 
hurtful than the narrow toe. A lady may seem 
taller for walking on tiptoe, but she will never 
walk well in this manner. It strains her joints, 
distorts her limbs, makes her stoop, and utterly 
destroys her ease and gracefulness of motion; 
it is entirely owing to shoes with high heels and 
narrow toes, that not one female in ten can be 
said to w r alk well. 

In fixing on clothes, due care should be taken 
to avoid tight bandages. Tight bandages about 
the neck ; as stocks, cravats, necklaces, &c, are 
extremely dangerous. They obstruct the blood 
in its course from the brain, by which means, 
headaches, vertigoes, apoplexies, and other fatal 
diseases are often occasioned. The perfection ot 
dress is to be easy and clean. 

Nothing can be more ridiculous than for any 
one to make himself a slave to fine clothes. Fi- 
nery is often only the affectation of dress, and 



CLOTHING. 283 

frequently covers a great deal of dirt. Robust 
persons are able to endure cold, better than the 
delicate, and consequently may clothe lighter; 
but the precise quantity of apparel which may 
be necessary for any person cannot be deter- 
mined by reasoning. It must be entirely a mat- 
ter of experience ; and each person is the best 
judge for him oi herself, what quantity of clothes 
is necessary to keep him or her warm, and suffi- 
ciently comfortable. 

While treating on clothing, I would recom- 
mend to persons to be careful in observing that 
their clothes are properly aired, previous to be- 
ing put on. This precaution will be particu- 
larly necessary, in the winter months, as washer- 
women are then obliged to dry chiefly in-doors 
by the heat of a fire, and this is apt to be very 
imperfectly clone. 

Many lives are annually sacrificed by persons 
putting on damp linen, as well as by sleeping 
in sheets not properly dried. Due care should 
be taken to change the stockings or other clo- 



284 TOBACCO. 

thing as speedily as possible after their becoming 
wet, by any exposure to inclement weather, rain, 
snow, &c. Many persons are so imprudent as 
to neglect this very necessary change, and suffer 
their clothes after such an exposure to dry on 
them, assisted probably by going near a fire for 
some time ; but such a practice is always atten- 
ded with a risk, and not unfrequentiy gives rise 
to either rheumatism, fever, pleurisy, cough, con- 
sumption, or some other disease of a dangerous 
or even fatal nature. 

The principal advantage in the use of flannel, 
is its non-conducting property of sensible heat ; 
it is therefore, well calculated to protect the body 
against the too rapid escape of important fluid. 



TOBACCO. 

The use of tobacco has become so prevalent 
in this country, that in our city it assumes a se- 
rious aspect. Many persons of both sexes use 
it in some way ; and many men both smoke and 
chew it, and some snuff it. The same habits 



TOBACCO. 285 

prevail to a great extent in almost every por- 
tion of the globe. 

When we take into consideration the disagree- 
able and repulsive character of this production 
to the unvitiated palate, it is truly surprising, 
that it should ever have been thought of as an 
article for such use at all ; and when to this con- 
sideration, is added the exceedingly important 
one, that it is highly injurious to the human sys- 
tem, the fact of its general use, becomes still 
more astonishing. Many however, are not aware 
of its pernicious effects ; and many have com- 
menced the use by the prescription of their phy- 
sician ; therefore it is of vital importance, that 
our medical advisers should have good habits, 
and this will in some degree, account for this 
extensive use. I propose to exhibit these effects 
in their true colors in this article, in the hope of 
inducing such to abandon those baneful habits. 

It should be understood then, that tobacco is 
an actual and virulent poison. Three drops of 
the distilled oil of tobacco, dropped upon the 



286 TOBACCO. 

tongue of a full sized cat v actually causes death, 
in from three to ten minutes ; and even when 
used medicinally, it is so uncongenial to the sys- 
tem, and of so baneful a tendency, that physi- 
cians now seldom administer it even in the most 
desperate cases. 

In many instances, where it has been applied 
internally, or even externally, it has caused death 
in a short period. A tobacco poultice applied 
to the pit of the stomach, causes terrible vomit- 
ings in a very short time. Its application to 
the head produces similar effects. A girl about 
seven years of age, in good health, was seized 
with incessant vomiting, by merely having an 
ointment of butter and snuff applied to her head 
which was affected with the scabies. 

Fontana ranks tobacco with the vegetable poi- 
sons ; and begins the following account of his 
experiments : — 

"I made," says he, "a small incision in a pig- 
eon's leg and applied to it the oil of tobacco ; in 
two minutes, it lost the use of its foot. I repeat- 



TOBACCO. 287 

ed this experiment on another pigeon, and the 
event was exactly the same. Two other pigeons 
to whose muscles I applied this oil, vomited sev- 
eral times all they had eaten." 

In the foregoing it may be added, that an ap- 
plication of tobacco in almost any form will pro- 
duce a similar effect ; and chemists tell us, that 
tobacco leaves, distilled in a retort without addi- 
tion, yield an acrid, empyreumatic, poisonous 
oil. 

Kempfer also classes it with the strong vege- 
table poisons; a most appropriate classification 
indeed, seeing that a single drop of the chemical 
oil of tobacco, applied to the tongue of a cat, has 
produced violent convulsions, and caused death 
in one minute ; and a thread dipped in the same 
oil, and drawn through a wound made by a nee- 
dle in an animal, has killed it in seven minutes. 

What can be expected, but that the strong 
caustic oil and acrid salt contained in it, will pro- 
duce incurable evils. Some of those evils we 
will here bring into view. 



288 TOBACCO. 

As to smoking, every medical man knows 
that the saliva, which is so copiously drained off' 
by the pipe, is the first and greatest agent which 
nature employs in digesting food. Chewing like- 
wise drains off the liquid, so necessary to diges- 
tion. 

Snuffing injures the brain, induces apoplexy, 
scurvy, loss of memory, paralysis, scirrhus of 
the pancreas. I saw what I conjectured to be 
a tumor of the pancreas, with indigestion, and 
which terminated in the death of the patient. 
He had been for many years a great consumer 
of tobacco. He chewed it in the morning, and 
smoked it all the afternoon. 

Bat smoking and chewing not only carry off 
the necessary saliva from its proper place ; they 
likewise saturate the tongue and mouth with to- 
bacco juice, thereby vitiating the saliva that re- 
mains, which in this pernicious and poisonous 
condition finds its way to the stomach. Who 
in view of these considerations, can wonder that 
tobacco fixes its deadly grasp upon the organs 



TOBACCO. 289 

of vitality, gradually undermining the health, 
and sowing the seeds of disease, which are sure 
sooner or later, to take root and spring up, car- 
rying away its victim to a premature grave. 

Who can wonder at the dizziness, the pain in 
the head, the faintness, the pain in the stomach, 
the weakness, the tremulousness, the huskiness 
of the voice, the disturbed sleep, the night-mare, 
the irascibility, the mental depression, the epi- 
lepsy, and even mental derangement, of the vic- 
tim of tobacco. "It seems," says Henry H. 
Brown, "to act directly upon the nervous sys- 
tem, enfeebling, exhausting, or destroying the 
powers of life. It is also especially liable to di- 
minish the sensibility of the membrane lining the 
nose, mouth, and stomach ; enfeebling the ner- 
vous power of this latter organ, so that instead 
of promoting digestion, as pretended by many, 
it has a direct tendency to produce dyspepsia with 
all its direful train of symptoms. One of the 
most eminent surgebns of this country, states 

that of the cases of cancer of the under lip which 
25 



290 TOBACCO. 

have come within his observation, all but three 
were those of individuals who had, at some period 
of their lives, used tobacco in some one of its 
forms. With regard to snuff in particular, Dr. 
Bomare says: "The least evil which you can 
expect to be produced is, to dry up the brain, 
emaciate the body, enfeeble the memory, and 
destroy if not entirely, yet in a great measure 
the delicate sense of smelling." Many cases 
have been observed where the appetite has been 
almost destroyed, and consumption induced, by 
its excessive use. The most delicate females 
have their complexion entirely ruined by it. 

Instead of preserving the teeth from decay, 
as many suppose, the chewing or smoking of to- 
bacco wears down or absorbs the grinding sur- 
face of the teeth, much faster than would other- 
wise be the case. So active a poison as the smoke 
or juice of tobacco, continually in contact with 
the surface of the teeth, must tend to destroy 
their vitality, and consequently to hasten, instead 
of retarding their decay. 



GLOSSARY, 
Of Terms used in the Foregoing Work. 



A. 

Abdomen, the belly ; abdominal, belonging to the 
abdomen. 

Absorbents, vessels that convey the nourishment from 
the intestines, and the secreted fluids from the va- 
rious cavities, into the mass of blood. 

Acrimony, a corrosive sharpness. 

Acute : — a disease, the symptoms of which, are violent, 
and tend to a speedy termination, is called acute. 

Abscess, a collection of matter. 

Anasarcous, dropsical. 

Adult, of mature age. 

Adust, dry, warm. 

Anginose affections, inflammatory affections of the 
throat. 

Anormal, irregular, unnatural. 

Anthelmintic, having the power of destroying worms, 

Antiphlogistics, medicines that reduce fever and in- 
flammation. 

Antispasmodics, medicines that allay spasms and 
cramps. 

Aperient, medicines that gently open the bowels. 

Aphthae, small whitish ulcers appearing in the mouth. 

(291) 



292 GLOSSARY. 

Astriction, a tightening or lessening. 

Apyrexia, the period of intermission in ague. 

Ardor urinse, a scalding of urine. 

Astharitis, rheumatic pains of the joints. 

Asphyxia, apparent death, suspended animation. 

Asthenia, diminished vital energy. 

Axungia. hog's lard. 

Astringents, binding or contracting medicines. 

Aromatic, spicy fragrant. 

Accoucheur, one that performs the part of a midwife. 

Acetabulum, the cup-like cavity that receives the 

head of the thigh-bone. 
Ague, a species of fever. 

B. 

Bile or gall, a fluid which is secreted by the liver into 
the gall-bladder, and from thence passes into the 
intestines, in order to promote digestion. 

Belladonna, deadly night shade. 

Blenorrhcea, a morbid secretion of mucus. 

Bronchia, the air tubes in the lungs. 

Bronchotomy, an incision into the wind-pipe. 

Bulimia, insatiable craving for food. 

C. 

Cachexia, a general weak, relaxed and disordered 

state, without fever. 
Canthus, angle of the eye. 
Capillary vessels — capillaries, the very minute vessels 

between the arteries and veins. 
Cardia, the upper orifice of the stomach. 



GLOSSARY. 293 

Cardiac region, the pit of the stomach. 

Carotids, the arteries that convey the blood to the 

head. 
Catamenia, the monthly discharge of females. 
Cataplasm, a poultice. 

Catheter, a hollow tube for drawing off the urine. 
Cephalalgia, headache. 
Cephalic, relating to the brain. 
Cerebrum, the brain. 

Cervical vertebrae, the joints of the spine, in the neck. 
Cervix uteri, neck of the uterus. 
Chyle, the milky fluid produced by digestion* 
Chyme, the food after it has undergone the process of 

digestion in the stomach, and has passed into the 

bowels. 
Colliquative stools, profuse watery discharges from 

the bowels. 
Collyrium, an eye wash. 
Coma, profound lethargic stupor, or sleep. 
Comatose, morbidly sleepy. 
Congestion, the accumulation of blood in a part. 
Constipation, costiveness. 
Cacochymic, an unhealthy state of the system. 
Caries, a rotteness of the bone. 

Chronic, a disease whose progress is slow, in opposi- 
tion to acute. 
Circulation, the motion of the blood, which is driven 

by the heart through the arteries, and returns by 

the veins. 
Conglobate gland, a simple gland. 



294 GLOSSARY. 

Conglomerate, a compound gland. 

Contagion, infectious matter. 

Cutis, the skin. 

Cutaneous, of or belonging to the skin. 

Crassamentum, the red globules of the blood, collect- 
ed in a mass with the coagulable lymph. 

Clyster, an injection. 

Confection, a mixture. 

Coagula, concreted, or clotted blood. 

Convulsions, an involuntary contraction of the fibres 
and muscles. 

Crisis, a certain period in the progress of a disease, 
from whence a decided alteration* either for the 
better or the worse, takes place. 

Critical, decisive or important. 

Cuticle, the outer surface of the skin. 

Cathartic, a purgative medicine. 

IX 

Debility, weakness. 

Delirium, a temporary disorder of the mental facul- 
ties. 

Diaphragm, a membrane separating the cavity of the 
chest from that of the abdomen. 

Diuretic, a medicine that promotes the secretion of 
urine. 

Drastic, is applied to such purgative medicines as are 
violent, or harsh in their operation. 

Dejections, alvine evacuations by the bowels. 

Deliquism, fainting. 



GLOSSARY. 295 

Demulcents, soothing mucilaginous fluids, as flax-seed 
tea, or slippery elm. 

Dentition, teething. 

Derivatives, remediate applications, that draw the 
blood from an affected part. 

Desquamation, scaling off, or separation of the skin 
in small scales. 

Diagnosis, the distinguishing marks of particular dis- 
eases. 

Diaphoresis, gentle perspiration. 

Diathesis, any particular disposition or habitude of 
the body. 

Dietetic, relating to the regulation of the diet. 

Diluents, bland drinks. 

Diuresis, increased discharge of urine. 

Diuretics, medicines that increase the flow of urine. 

Duodenum, the first twelve inches of the small in- 
testines. 

Dyspnoea, oppressed breathing. 

Dysuria, difficulty and pain in passing urine. 

Diarrhoea, a flux, a purging accompanied with fever. 

Dilatation, extension, enlargement. 

Dorsal vertebrae, the twelve middle bones of the spine. 

E. 

Empyema, a collection of purulent matter in the ca- 
vity of the breast. 

Endemic, a disease peculiar to a certain district of 
country. 

Epidemic, a disease generally infectious. 



296 GLOSSARY. 

Exacerbation, the increase of any disease. 

Ejections, discharges from the stomach by vomiting. 

Electuary, a compound medicine, made into the con- 
sistence of honey. 

Emesis, vomiting. 

Emetic, a medicine that causes vomiting. 

Emulsion, a milk-like fluid, formed by mixing oily 
or resinous substances, by means of mucilage, with 
water. 

Encephalic, relating to the cavity of the skull. 

Encephalon, the brain with its membranes. 

E«iema, a clyster, an injection ; enemati, injections. 

Engorgement, an accumulation and stagnation of 
fluids in a part. 

Enuresis, involuntary discharge of urine. 

Epidermis, the outer skin. 

Epispastics, substances that blister the skin, as Span- 
ish flies. 

Epistaxis, bleeding at the nose. 

Errhines, substances used to produce sneezing. 

Erysipelas, St. Anthony's fire. 

Erythema, a slight inflammation of the skin. 

Eschar, the dead substance produced by applying 
caustic, etc. 

Etiology, relating to the causes and origin of diseases. 

Exacerbation, the period of increase of a fever. 

Exanthemata, acute eruptive diseases. 

Excitability, the capacity of being excited by stimuli. 

Excitement, the action caused by stimuli 



GLOSSARY. 297 

Exfoliate, to cast or scale off, as the skin, or a piece 

of dead bone. 
Expectorants, medicines that promote spitting. 
Exsanguinous, bloodless, with but little blood. 
Epilepsy, a convulsion, falling, sickness. 
Epileptic, pertaining to epilepsy, convulsed. 
Exhaustion, debility produced by excessive discharges. 
Epigastric region, the region of the stomach. 

F. 

Farinaceous, made of meal. 

Fascia, a tendinaceous expansion. 

Fauces, the posterior part of the mouth, or top of the 
throat. 

Febrific, that which causes fever. 

Febrifuge, a medicine that has the power of arresting 
the progress of an intermitting fever. 

Febrile, feverish. 

Fistula, a deep tube-like ulcer. 

Foramen, an opening or hole. 

Function, the action or office performed by an organ. 

Furfuraceous, branny, consisting of thin, light scales. 

Fibre, a small thread or string, belonging to mus- 
cles. 

Funis, the navel cord. 

Fundus uteri, the upper part of the womb. 

Foetus, a child in the womb. 

Flatulent, producing wind. 

Fungus, proud flesh. 



298 GLOSSARY. 

G. 

Ganglion, a small knot or roundish enlargement of a 
nerve or tendon. 

Gangrene, mortification. 

Gastralgia, pains in the stomach without fever. 

Gastric, relating to the stomach. 

Gastro-enteritis, inflammation of the stomach and 
bowels. 

Gustatory, relating to the taste. 

Guttation, by drops. 

Gestation, the period of pregnancy. 

Ganglia, venereal excrescences. 

Gymnastics, exercise taken with a view to promote or 
restore health. 

H. 

Haematemesis, vomiting of blood. 

Haematuria, voiding bloody urine. 

Haemoptysis, bleeding from the lungs. 

Haemorrhage, bleeding from any part of the body. 

Haemorrhoids, piles 

Haustus, a draft of liquid medicine. 

Hectic, a slow habitual fever, with sweats and emacia- 
tion. 

Hemicrania, pain on one side of the head. 

Hemiplegia, palsy on one side. 

Hepatization, change of structure so as to resemble 
the substance of the liver. 

Hernia, a rupture. 

Hectic-fever, a slow consuming fever, generally at- 



GLOSSARY. 299 

tending a bad habit of body, or some incurable 

disease. 
Hypochondria, low spirits. 
Herpetic, having the character of a tetter. 
Humoral, relating to the fluids, particularly to the 

blood. 
Hydragogue, a purge that produces watery stools. 
Hydrocephalus, dropsy in the head. 
Hydropic, dropsical. 
Hypercatharsis, excessive purging. 
Hysteria, hysterics, or fits peculiar to woman. 

I. 

Iatraleptics,the application of remedies externally. 

Tcterous, yellow, jaundice-like. 

Icterus, jaundice. 

Idiopathic, an original affection of a part. 

Idiosyncrasy, any peculiar habit. 

Ilium, the lower part of the small intestines. 

Iliac regions, the flanks, the lateral and lower parts 

of the abdomen. 
Impetigo, a species of ring-worm. 
Ichor, thin bad matter. 

Imposthume, a collection of purulent matter. 
Inflammation, a surcharge of blood, and an increased 

action of the vessels, in any particular part of the 

body. 
Integuments, the skin. 

Irritability, the capacity of being excited into action. 
Ischuria, a difficulty or stoppage of urine. 



300 GLOSSARY. 

Intestines, the bowels. 

Intestinal, belonging to the bowels. 

Incontinency, inability to retain the urine. 

Ischia, the hip bone. 

Innominatum, the bone at the side of the pelvis, 

forming the haunch, and receives the head of the 

thigh-bone. 

L. 

Lacta, milk. 

Lactation, the act of suckling. 

Ladentia, medicines or other agents that cause injury. 

Lateritous, like brick-dust, brick-colored. 

Leucophlegmatic, a pale, relaxed, debilitated and tor- 
pid state of the body. 

Leucorrhoea, the whites. 

Liniment, a very thin ointment. 

Lithiasis, a disposition to discharge gravelly matter 
with the urine. 

Lithontriptic, a remedy used for dissolving stones in 
the bladder or kidneys. 

Lumbago, rheumatism in the loins. 

Ligature, bandage. 

Lixivium, ley. 

Lymphatics, vessels that carry white fluids. 

Lactiferous, belonging to milk. 

Lotion, a wash. 

M. 

Malaria, pestiferous exhalations from marshes and 
putrefying substances. 

Meninges, the coverings of the brain. 



GLOSSARY. 301 

Meningitis, inflammation of the covering of the brain. 

Miliary-eruption, eruption of small pustules resembl- 
ing the seeds of millet. 

Morbific, causing disease, or diseased. 

Mucus, the matter discharged from lungs or nose. 

Mesentery, a double membrane that connects the in- 
testines to the back bone. 

Miasm, the same as malaria. 

Muscle, fleshy fibrous substance. 

Muscular, relating to muscles, strong. 

N. 
Narcotics, medicines that blunt the sensibilities of the 

nerves. 
Nephritic, relating to affections of the kidneys. 
Neuralgia, painful affections of the nerves. 
Nausea, an inclination to vomit. 
Nervous, irritable. 
Normal, healthy, natural. 
Nosology, a systematic arrangement, definition of 

diseases. 
Nodes, enlargement of the bones, produced by the 

venereal disease. 

ex 

(Edema, swelling from a dropsical collection in the 

cellular membrane. 
(Esophagus, the gullet. 

Olfactory, relating to the sense of smelling. 
Ophthalmia, inflammation of the eyes. 
Opiate, a medicine whose prominent ingredient is 

opium. 



302 GLOSSARY. 

Organic affection, a disease in which more or less of 

the substance of a part is changed or disordered. 
Orthopnoea, great difficulty in breathing. 
Ossified, changed into a bony structure. 
Os uteri, mouth of the womb. 
Occiput, back part of the head. 

P. 

Paracentesis, making an opening into the cavity of 
the abdomen or chest, to give exit to fluid ; tap- 
ping.^ 

Paralysis, palsy. 

Parenchyma, the proper substance of organs. 

Pathology, doctrine of the causes and nature of dis- 
eases. 

Pectoral, relating to the breast. 

Pectoriloquism, a peculiar sound in the lungs, when 
the patient speaks, heard through the sides of the 
chest, by the stethoscope. 

Percussion, striking the breast with the extremities 
of the fingers, to ascertain the kind of sound pro- 
duced. 

Pericardium, the membranous sack surrounding the 
heart 

Peristaltic, vermicular, or worm-like. 

Pharynx, the top of the gullet. 

Phlegmasis, inflammation. 

Phlogosis, superficial inflammation. 

Phymosis, contraction of the foreskin, so as to pre- 
vent it being drawn back. 



GLOSSARY. 303 

Plethora, fulness of blood. 

Pleuritic, of the character of pleurisy, attended with 
pain in the side. 

Post-mortem, after death. 

Prolapsus, a falling down. 

Prostate gland, a gland situated at the neck of the 
bladder. 

Ptyalism, salivation. 

Pulmonary, relating to the lungs. 

Puruloid, resembling pus or matter. 

Pus, the yellowish thick fluid or matter formed by 
inflammation. 

Pylorus, the lower orifice of the stomach. 

Pyrexia, a fever. 

Pyrosis, water-brash. 

Pelvis, an assemblage of bones, belonging to the 
lower part of the body, of which the hips form a 
part. 

Pelvic, belonging to the pelvis. 

Pendant, a hanging position. 

Puerperal, the period of confinement from child- 
birth. 

Paroxysm, an exacerbation of a disease. 

Placenta, the after-birth. 

Parturient, bringing or about to bring forth. 

Preternatural, unnatural. 

Pubis, lower part of the abdomen. 

Perineum, the part between the anus and the vagina. 

Prolapsus uteri, falling of the womb. 

Peritoneum, a membrane in the body. 



304 GLOSSARY. 

Peritoneal, belonging to the peritoneum. 

Perspire, to sweat. 

Parietalia, the bones forming the sides of the head 
above the temple. 

Phlegmatic, watery, relaxed. 

Polypus, a diseased excrescence, or a substance form- 
ed of coagulable lymph, frequently found in the 
large blood-vessels. 

Q. 

Quartan, a periodical disease, returning every seven- 
ty-two hours. 
Quotidian, a daily ague. 

R. 

Respiration, the act of breathing. 

Regimen, regulation of diet. 

Rachialgia, acute pain in the spine. 

Rachitis, rickets. 

Ramollissement, softening. 

Rete mucosum, the mucous-like expansion immedi- 
ately under the skin, in which coloring matter that 
constitutes the color of the surface is deposited. 

Rugades, chaps in the skin, deep fissures in the 
skin. 

Rubefacient, external applications that inflame the 
skin. 

Rectum, the lower bowel. 

S. 
Sanguiferous, conveying the blood. 
Sanguineous, bloody, relating to blood. 



GLOSSARY. 305 

Scirrhus, a hard, degenerated tumefaction of a gland. 

Sebaceous, suet-like matter. 

Secretion, the separation of a fluid or substance from 
the blood, by the action of a living organ. 

Secretory vessels or organs, that separate a peculiar 
fluid or substance from the blood. 

Sedatives, medicines that diminish the actions of tho 
system. 

Semicupium, warm bath, the body being immersed 
only up to the middle. 

Sensorium, the brain, the centre of feeling. 

Serous, watery. 

Strumous, scrofulous. 

Subsultus, tendinum, a convulsive sudden twitching 
of the sinews. 

Symptomatic, the consequence of some other affec- 
tion. 

Syncope, fainting. 

Synocha, fever of a high inflammatory character. 

Solution, a substance dissolved. 

Saliva, a thin fluid discharge from the salivary glands 
called spittle. 

Sacro iliac, belonging to the sacrum and ilium. 

Sacro ischiatic, belonging to the sacrum and ischium. 

Sacrum, a bone that forms the posterior part of the 
pelvis, between the hips. 

Spine, the back-bone. 

Sacroiliac symphysis, a name given to the union bet- 
ween the sacrum and ilium, two bones of the pel- 
vis. 

26 



306 GLOSSARY. 

Sacro, words compounded of this, belonging to the 

sacrum. 
Sacro ischiatic ligaments, ligaments that connect the 

sacrum and ischia. 
Symphysis pubis, the centre of the bone that crosses 

at the lower part of the abdomen, just above the 

organs of generation. 

T. 

Tarsus, the edge of the eye-lid. 

Tenesmus, an ineffectual and painful urging to go to 

stool. 
Temperament, a peculiar habit of body, of which 

there are four, viz. : the sanguine, the bilious, 

melancholic and phlegmatic. 
Therapeutic, relating to the employment of remedies. 
Thoracic, belonging to the chest. 
Thorax, the chest. 
Tormina, griping pains. 
Tubercles, small hard tumors, resembling cheese in 

their internal structure. 
Type, the peculiar form assumed by a fever, as to the 

period intervening between its paroxysms or acer- 

bations. 
Typhoid, resembling typhus fever. 
Tincture, a liquid extract of drugs. 
Tonics, strengthening medicines. 

u. 

Ureters, the tubes which convey urine from the kid- 
neys to the bladder. 



GLOSSARY. 307 

Urethra, the canal of the penis, through which the 
urine is discharged. 

Utero gestation, the term of pregnancy. 

Uterus, the womb. 

Uterine, belonging to the uterus. 

Uterine region, the part in which the uterus is situ- 
ated. 

V. 

Vaccina, cow-pox. 
Vesication, blistering. 
Varicose, enlarged or swollen veins. 
Vascular, relating to, or full of vessels 
Venesection, blood-letting. 
Ventilation, airing or letting in the air. 
Vagina, the passage to the womb. 
Vertebrae, bones of the spine. 
Vertex, the crown of the head. 
Venous, belonging to the veins. 
Venomous, ) 
Virulent, \ P 01S0n0us - 

Vermifuge, worm-dispel!ing medicine. 

Vertigo, giddiness. 

Villous, shaggy, rough, hairy. 

Virus, poisonous matter. 

Viscera, the entrails. 

Viscid, glutinous, tenacious. 

Vital, connected with life. 

w. 

Whites, the fluor albus. 



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